**'** 






.•.f.r.\o*' X**^^> '<,--r.?-%6* V^^^V 

J- '''^o^^^•'/^ '\;^'^-'/* '^%^'^^''J', %. 




y %*^*/ v^'/ "'v'^'^y .. *^ 

v^..r,-.V y.:iU^-.^.. .^^:4:9-..X y.;rtiiC'. 




.* 



** yi;;^. >_ 0° .'^::- °o >' .^:^^^ f,. 




I?.- 



J"\ 









/.'J^l.*Oo >*\.-^-.V /.'J^V^^o >*..-^' 



,,^°-^. 










\.^^'^' 




.^'% 



^^-^^^ 













































i^'^t 







\V. W. H. I)A\'1S. 



HISTORY OF DOYLESTOWN, 
OLD AND NEW. 

FROM ITS SETTLEMENT TO THE CLOSE 

OF THE 

NINETEENTH CENTURY. 

1745—1900. 
ILLUSTRATED. 

BY 

W. W. H. DAVIS, A. M., M. M. S. 



AUTHOR OF EL GRINGO, OR NEW MEXICO AND HER PEOPLE; SPANISH CON- 
QUEST OF NEW MEXICO, 104TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, HISTORY 
OF THE HART FAMILY, LIFE OF GENERAL JOHN LACEY, 
HISTORY OF THE DOYLESTOWN GUARDS, LIFE 
OF JOHN DAVIS, HISTORY OF BUCKS 
COUNTY, FRIES REBELLION, &C. 



INTELLIGENCER PRINT, 
OOVLESTOWN, PA. 



LIBRARY o( JONSKESS 
fwu Oopies itetoivaii 

JUN 31 iyo5 

OLASS OL. AXC. Nin 
COPY b. 



THIS VOLUME 

Is respectfully dedicated to the memory of 
those whose history is recorded herein, and 
to the present and future generations who 
may find pleasure in reading its pages. 



TO THE READER. 



In submitting this volume to the pubHc, the author takes occasion 
to say, that its preparation was more than " a labor of love," for diffi- 
culties met him at every step. 

No one had ever before written, or attempted to write, the 
history of Doylestown. The ground lay fallow; there was no material 
at hand to write it from, but it had to be picked up, a bit here and a 
bit there, like the gathering of threads to weave into a piece of cloth, 
and was the work of several years. 

Among other authorities consulted, were the bound files of the 

Bucks County Intelligencer and Doylestown Democrat, reaching 

through a century. We have related events consecutively, and 

spoken of persons and things correctly; but, to make them clear, 

have occasionally resorted to repetition. They who declined to open 

their storehouse of the past, must not blame the author for inaccuracy. 

Under the circumstances, we have made the best possible use of our 

material, and, if we have accomplished nothing more, we have saved 

valuable material for the future historian. 

W. W. H. DAVIS. 
Doylestown, Pa., October ^i, 1904. 



CONTENTS. 



I. The First Step in Civilization 

II. The Formative Period 

III. Early Business Life 

IV. Becomes the County Seat 

V. Historic Walk 

VI. Typhus Fever Panic 

VII. The School and the Church 

VIII. Pioneer Newspapers 

IX. In the Twenties 

X. In the Thirties 

XI. A Noted Murder Trial 

XII. A Prosperous Period 

XIII. Doylestown a Summer Resort 104 

XIV. The Stage and the Mails 114 

XV. Our Public Inns 127 

XVI. The Bench and the Bar 143 

XVII. Social Life in the Past 155 

XVIII. Mercantile Life 166 

XIX. Our Industries 173 

XX. More of Our Industries 184 

XXI. Opening of Streets 194 

XXII. A Group of Churches 201 

XXIII. Middle of the Century 211 

XXIV. Doylestown in the Civil War 223 

XXV. Our Schools 240 

XXVI. Art in Doylestown 254 

XXVII. Our Military History 271 

XXVIII. Beneficial Societies 284 

XXIX. Our Medical Life 296 

XXX. Historic Families 304 

XXXI. A Building Period 324 

XXXII. Bi-Centennial Decade 337 

XXXIII. Fires and Fire Department 348 

XXXIV. Odds and Ends of History 354 

XXXV. Farewell to the Nineteenth Century 365 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PACE 

1. Frontispiece, \V. W. H. Davis. 

2. Kirkbride-Chapman Farm House 4 

3. Doyle's Tavern, 1745 10 

4. Nathaniel Shewell, i860 16, 

5. Scheetz's Store House, 1S30 ■ 20 

6. Old Court House, 1812 28'' 

7. The Russell House, i8ro 34"^ 

S. DuBois Homestead, 1S07 36/^ 

9. Old Presbyterian Church, 1S15-1845 42/ 

10. Old Jail, 1812 ^o^ 

11. Asher Miner, 1804 56 

12. John S. Bryan 64 

13. The Ross Law Office, 1829 74'' 

14. Francis B. Shaw . 80 ''^ 

15. Mina, 1832 88-- 

16. Doylestown National Bank, 1897 96 

17. Charles H. Mann, i860 106 . 

18. William T. Rogers 112 

19. The Stage and the Mails 120 

20. The Ship Tavern, 1840 12S. 

21. The Fountain House, 1853 136 

22. Eleazer T. McDowell, 1840 144 

23. Henry Chapman, 1850 152 - 

24. Samuel F DuBois, 1852 160 

25. Hellyer's Store, 1897 16S 

26. Fisher's .Smith Shop • • 176 

27. Spoke Factory, 18S4 184 

28. New Jail, 1884 194 

29. The Opening of Streets 200 

30. Salem Reformed Church ; 208 

31. Public School Building 216 

32. Lieutenant McDowell, Killed at Fair Oaks 228 

33. School Board, 1897 240 

34. Art in Doylestown 254 

35. The Harvey House, 181 2 274 

36. Office of Judge Fox 288 

37. Dr. Charles H. Mathews . . • 296 

38. Dr. George T. Harvey 300 

36. John Fox, 1840 304 

40. George Lear at 60 314 

41. Beeks Exhibition Building 320 

42. New Presbyterian Church 330 

43. Union Academy 340 

44. Samuel Hall 360 . 

45. Monument 104th Regiment 370 

46. Linden Female .Seminary ■'■j2 



|loi)le0toniiu (Dl^ anil lleru. 



The First Step in Civilization. 

If the reader could have taken his stand, at what is now the 
crossing of Broad and East Court streets, Doylestown, one hundred and 
fifty years ago, and swept the horison with his glass he would have 
beheld an almost houseless panorama. 

Looking down the long slope into the valley of Pine Run, he 
might have seen the Kirkbride farm house, subsequently the Chap- 
man homestead, and a few others wideley scattered, but not a single 
village dwelling. To the east he could have looked across the inter- 
vening mile of field and forest to the ridge whereon was later built 
the Burges farm house; had our "looker on in Vienna" turned his 
glass to the southeast and southwest into the valley drained by the 
Neshaminy, he would have seen the modest homes of the Flacks, 
Isabella Crawford, the Magills, the Scotts and a few other pioneers 
recently settled there, and would have likewise seen a small licensed 
inn not far from where the two highways crossed each other, now 
State and Main streets, had the timber not prevented; had he turned 
his glass to the west there would have been but little to be seen for 
the obstructing forest, but, near at hand, on the east side of Dyer's 
Mill road, now North Main street, was the Fell smith shop later en- 



2 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

larged into the Ross Mansion, and more recently the site of the new 
building of the Doylestown National Bank, and farther in the same 
direction he would have seen the pioneer homes of the Johnsons' and 
t-he Riales and nearer by that of the Doyles. 

The pioneers, who settled the wilderness west of the Delaware, 
were not unmindful of the Roman maxim : ' 'The first step in civiliza- 
tion is to make roads," for the opening of roads was one of their first 
concerns, and they were often projected and laid out when there were 
but few to travel them. Roads, in their uses, hold the same relation 
to a community as the arteries and veins hold to the human body, a 
proper system of the former being as necessary to a prosperous condi- 
tion of society as the latter to the life and health of man. The open- 
ing of roads was the initial step in founding Penn's Quaker Empire 
west of the Delaware. 

The first public road running through the future site of Doyles- 
town, nearly north and south, and known to many at the present day 
as the " Easton Road," was opened from "Round Meadow," now 
the Willow Grove, to the Montgomery County Line, 1720. This was 
to enable Sir William Keith, the Provincial Governor of Pennsylvania, 
to reach his plantation of " Graeme Park." In 1722 it was extended 
to Dyer's Mill, two miles above Doylestown, this section being called 
the " Dyer's Mill Road;" and was subsequently laid out and opened 
to Easton, making a continuous highway from Philadelphia to the 
' ' Forks of Delaware. ' ' While the Easton Road joined the Upper 
and Lower Delaware in common interest, it was still necessary to 
unite the Delaware with the Schuylkill that bounds the peninsula on 
the west. This was done in 1730 by opening a road from Coryell's 
Ferry, the present New Hope, to the fords on the Schuylkill, inter- 
secting the Easton road at the site of Doylestown, then only the 
crossing of two roads in the wilderness. It remained this and nothing 
more for three-quarters of a century, and until a road was laid out 
and opened, 1807, from the Swamp road to the Dyer's Mill road, 
the present Court street, and the County seat was located here three 
years later. In the meanwhile an occasional settler was dropping in 
and taking up land and building a cabin or a farm house, these roads 



I In Doylestown, late Warwick, March 21, 1819, in his 87th year, David 
Johnson. He was a native of Ireland, but had resided from early life in this 
county and, by the blessings of Heaven, his industry and economy had ac- 
quired a competency. A suitable discourse was de]i\ered by the Rev. Mr. 
DuBois. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 3 

leading to what, in after years became the capital of Penn's beloved 
Bucks. 

In laying out their highways the projectors ' ' builded better 
than they knew. " Their point of intersection became an ideal site 
for a country village and the future county seat. It is within a mile 
of the geographical centre of the county; the four roads radiate from 
it toward the cardinal points of the compass, tapping the Delaware on 
the northeast and south, and the Schuylkill on the west. The Court 
House stands a few feet less than six hundred above tidewater; the 
Neshaminy and its branches, adorned with flowery meeds, hug the 
plateau the town is built on ; sweet valleys and gentle hills are seen in 
the distance, and from the cupalo of the Court House the eye sweeps 
over an agricultural region of unsurpassed beauty, with the distant 
Blue mountains for a back-ground. 

Doylestown is built on the tract William Penn conveyed to the 
"Free Society of Traders," 1682, originally containing 20,000 acres, 
8,612 acres laying in the contiguous townships of Warwick, New 
Britain and Hilltown. The area was twice reduced prior to 1726, 
when the remainder, containing about 2,000 acres, in Warwick and 
New Britain, on both sides of the present Court street, then the line 
between these townships, was purchased by Jeremiah Langhorne, 
Middletown. Of Langhorne' s purchase, Joseph Kirkbride, Falls 
township, bought several hundred acres in New Britain, the south- 
eastern boundary being the present Court street. At this time these 
two proprietors owned every acre of land within the present borough 
limits. 

Jeremiah Langhorne, one of the earliest owners of the ground 
Doylestown stands on, was the son of Thomas Langhorne, West- 
moreland county, England, who settled in Middletown township, 
1684. The homestead, cj.Ued Langhorne Park, containing eight 
hundred acres, lay on the Durham road below the present borough of 
Langhorne. Joseph Kirkbride, Langhorne' s fellow owner of the site 
of Doylestown, ran away from his master in England when a youth of 
twenty, and came over in the Welcome, starting for the new world 
with a wallet, containing some clothing, and a flail. He was first 
employed at Pennsbury but soon removed to New Jersey; was twice 
married and lived to become an influential and wealthy man, and a 
leading minister among Friends. At his death, 1738, at the age of 
seventy-five, he left 13,439 acres to be divided among his children, 



4 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Colonel Joseph Kirkbride, who lived in Falls township and prominent 
in the Revolution, being a grandson. 

By 1725-30 a number of settlers had found homes in the neighbor- 
ing townships, including the Jameses and other Welshmen in New 
Britain, James Meredith at Castle Valley, Walter Shewell, who built 
Painswick Hall; Benjamin Snodgrass, the Riale family descended from 
John Riale, born in England 1687, who bought 300 acres from Joseph 
Kirkbride in New Britain, his tract touching the northwest corner of 
the borough, and dying 1748 in his 60th year, leaving a widow and five 
children; Joseph Kirkbride a purchaser in the Valley of Cook's Run, 
with a sprinkling of Friends and Scotch Irish Presbyterians on the 
southeast. 

Doylestown began life at the intersection of these two highways, 
and was born of a road-side inn and a log house or two. Great 
interest attaches to the Doyle family, not only because they were 
among the first settlers on the village site, but were present at its 
birth and christening, and gave name to the infant setdement. 

The Doyles were in the county as early as 1696, and the Fourth- 
month ninth of that year Clement Dungan conveyed to Edward Doyle 
a tract of 50 acres : ' ' Beginning at a corner tree by the side of the 
river Delaware, thence by land of the widow Dungan's N. N. W. 320 
pole, thence by Clement Dungan's land S. by W. 25 pole, thence by 
land of Joseph Large 320 pole to a tree standing by the river Dela- 
ware, thence up the Delaware to the place of beginning. ' ' The con- 
sideration was ^5. Edward Doyle, by will dated Seventh- month 
sixteenth, 1702, devising said tract to his wife and executrix, Rebecca 
Doyle. The will was proved before the Register General of the 
Province; and Rebecca Doyle, widow and executrix of Edward Doyle, 
conveyed said tract to Tobias Dymock and Sarah his wife, Third- 
month twenty-fifth, 1703, consideration ^20. This Edward 
Doyls was the father of the Edward and Clement Doyle, wlio settled 
at Doylestown. 

Three of the Doyles, Edward, William and Clement were here in 
1730, and are thought to have been brothers, but this is a mistake, 
Clement and Edward were the sons of Edward, who settled on the 
Delaware about 1696 and marriad Rebecca Dungan; and William, 
the pioneer tavern keeper, was the son of Edward the younger. On 
March 30th, 1730, Edward Doyle bought of Joseph Kirkbride a 
narrow strip of land a mile long and less than a (juarter of a mile wide, 
containing 150 acres, extending from West Court street northwest 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 5 

down into the valley of Cook's Run, and up the farther rise to the 
second cross roads. In the borough the width was from Hamilton 
street to the southwest boundary, and comprised the farms of Isaac 
and Richard Riale, Rachel White and Samuel Heckman. Edward 
Doyle is thought to have lived in the old stone house of Isaac Riale, 
at present the property of James Biglan, or in a house on its site. 
Doyle was not prosperous. His will, dated September 9th, 1763, was 
filed in Philadelphia, where he died 1770. His will mentions four child- 
ren, William, Jeremiah, Edward and Rebecca Freeman, and a grand- 
daughter Elizabeth, daughter of Elizabeth Reese. Edward Doyle, 
son of Edward Doyle, Jr., kept tavern in Philadelphia and his son 
William was assessed, 1779, "a Shoemaker without lands." 

In 1737 Edward Doyle bought of Joseph Kirkbride another 
long, narrow strip of 42 acres, covering a portion of the late Arm- 
strong farm on the southwest side next to the old Methodist church. 
It was only 342 feet wide, but a mile long. Edward Doyle owned 
this strip all his life and, after his death, 1770, his son Edward came 
into possession of it. In October, 1776, the latter made an assignment 
to his uncle, William Doyle, brother of Edward Doyle, Jr., who sold 
it to Daniel Hough, "Innkeeper." At that time Daniel Hough had re- 
moved to Plumstead. With the 42 acres William Doyle sold Hough, 
he also conveyed to him the two acres adjoining on the south side of 
Court street, then the Warwick-New Britain township line, and cov- 
ering the triangle before mentioned and lying between Court, Hamil- 
ton, State and Main streets, extending along the latter street 320 feet, 
and including the site of the Fountain House. The following month 
Hough sold this triangle to Richard Swanwick, the Tory, for $600. 

The Swanwick property was put up at public sale by the State, 
August 24, 1779, and sold to Samuel and Joseph Flack, of Warwick, 
the deed from the State to the Flack brothers being dated June 8, 
1780. The deed, which we have seen, is a beautifully inscribed doc- 
ument. 

In 1779 the Supreme Executive Council confiscated Swanwick' s 
land, which was sold at public sale to Joseph Flack, probably the 
same who had kept the ship tavern on the site of Lenape Building, 
1778 and later. The Flacks owned both the forty-two acres and the 
triangle until 1792, when they sold the former to John Shaw; 1794, 
Shaw to Enoch Harvey; 1798, Harvey to Charles Stewart; 1802, 
Stewart to Dr. Hugh Meredith; 1803, Meredith to Enoch Harvey; 
1832, Harvey sold thirty-nine acres to Samuel Yardley; 1848, as- 



6 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

signees of Yardley to Thomas Ross, and in 1849 Ross sold fifty- 
three acres to Jesse Armstrong. 

The Armstrong corner, of which so much has been said in the 
past, and is not likely to be lost sight of in the future, has a separate 
history. It was part of 100 acres bought in 1737 by William Doyle, 
the tavern keeper, of Joseph Kirkbride. It ran back a mile, and was 
825 feet wide, covering the late Ross Mansion, site of the Court 
House, the Monument House and the Miner* property. The Arm- 
strong corner, 17 acres, was sold by William Doyle 1750 to Israel 
Pemberton, and by the latter, 1752, to Edward Doyle, Jr., and John 
Robinson got it in 1771 after the sherif? had sold the estate of Edward 
Doyle. In 1779 John Robinson was taxed for only two acres and 
sixty perches, and was "an invalid." He was in Doylestown as 
early as 1756, when he bought half an acre of Archibald Crawford in 
Warwick. In 1760 he bought 28 acres of Israel Pemberton in New 
Britain, and 10 acres of Nathan Preston, 177 1. In 1779 Robinson 
sold 40 acres to Jesse Fell, storekeeper, and Joseph Fell, blacksmith. 
Joseph Fell came into his brother's share, and removed to Wilkes- 
barre. In 1789 he sold 36 acres to Dr. Hugh Meredith, who built 
the stone farm house of the Armstrongs, which stood on the corner 
for ninety years, or about 1879, when new buildings were erected. 
In 1806 Hugh Meredith sold the house and 17 acres to William 
Watts, and in 18 13 Watts sold it to Samuel Yardley. In what manner 
Yardley was dispossessed of it has already been stated. Subsequently, 
April 13th, 1819, Thomas N. Meredith and wife conveyed to William 
Watts the triangular tract shown by the annexed draft, and, appended 
to the deed, was a conveyance by Charles Meredith and Isabella, his 
wife, conveying all their right, title and interest to the said William 
Watts "as shall lie northeastwardly of a line beginning at the said 
Horse Block, (corner North Main and Court) and running hence 
a southerly course so as to strike its opposite side line in the centre 
between the two extreme points as will appear by a dotted line." 

We have now accounted for two of the Doyle brothers, who 
were among the pioneer settlers on the site of Doylestown, Edward 
and William; but shall have more to say of the latter later on, and 
will now deal with the third brother, Clement. He probably settled 
here about the same time, 1733, and bought 148 acres of Joseph Kirk- 
bride in Pine Run Valley, just south of Swartzlander's mill. On the 

* Now the Mrs. N. C. James property. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 7 

southwest it was bounded by the Chapman farm, including the Car- 
withian farm, and we beHeve his homestead was on that part of the 
tract. Clement Doyle was the owner of this farm about forty years 
and to his death, 1772, leaving a widow and three sons. He was a 
Baptist, and himself and wife were two of the twenty-three constitu- 
ent members of the New Britain Baptist church, 1734. Clement 
Doyle lived two miles northwest of Edward and William and was 
probably the most prosperous member of the family that had the hon- 
or of giving name to the future county seat. William Doyle built the 
Hiestand grist and carding mills, and carried on business there for 
several years. One of his sons is said to have read law with Abra- 
ham Chapman, and died at the age of forty, but, as his name is not 
among the law students admitted to the bar, he probably did not con- 
clude his studies. The wife of the late Robert Smith, Doylestown, 
was a daughter of Jonathan Doyle. The Doyles intermarried with 
the Fells. Elizabeth Doyle's marriage certificate shows she was mar- 
ried to Joseph Fell, at Buckingham Meeting House, Third- month 
tenth, 171 1. She is referred to as of Middletown township, where 
she was born, 1688. Her father was an Irishman and her mother born 
in Rhode Island. It is possible the Doyle brothers, who settled 
at Doylestown, were influenced to come here by the Kirkbrides and 
Langhorns, who had land to sell. 

Joseph Fell took up a tract east of the borough, extending out to 
Pool's corner, including the Frank Mann farm. In 1775 the land 
owners immediately around the town, and a portion of whose holdings 
are now in the built up portion of the borough, were Edward and 
William Doyle, Joseph Kirkbride, Joseph and Samuel Flack, William 
and Robert Scott, Isabella Crawford and Robert and Henry Magill, 
The Magills made their appearance here 1768, when Archibald Craw- 
ford conveyed two lots to Robert and Henry Magill. Henry released 
to Robert, 1776, and died intestate leaving one child, William. Wil- 
liam Magill likewise died intestate, 1824, leaving five children, Alfred,^ 
Louisa C. , William D., Robert M., and Benjamin Morris, all their 
holdings vesting in them in fee.^ 

What was remaining of Joseph Kirkbride' s tract, northwest of 

2 At Philadelphia, February 28, 1828, Alfred M. Magill to Mrs. Jane S. 
Mann, daughter of John S. Mann, both of Doylestown. 

3 The Magills land was in the triangle formed by South Main and West 
State streets, one piece of the property being still in possession of the family. 
Charles Howard Magill, of Doylestown, is the only living male representative 
of this colonial family. See a further reference to the Magills in the chapter 
entitled " Our Highways." 



8 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

the present Court street, and a large quantity of other lands in the 
lower end of the county was left to his children at his death. Some 
of them held the ancestral acres for two or three generations, but it is 
said not an acre at present is known to be in the possession of their 
descendants. The last of the New Britain tract, in the valley of 
Cook's Run, was sold to Abraham Chapman, 1814, and is still in this 
family. Kirkbride is not known to have ever lived in this part of the 
county, and doubtless kept his home in Falls township, where he 
settled. 

At Jeremiah Langhorne's death, 1742, in disposing of his exten- 
sive real estate by will, he made provision for his negro slaves. Of 
the 2,000 acres, in Warwick township, purchased of the Free Society 
of traders, and covering the site of Doylestown south of Court street, 
310 acres were devised to Cudjo and Joe for life, Cudjo's title being 
extinguished by the executors, 1757, and sold to Isabella Crawford. 
It lay in the triangle formed by South Main and East State street, 
and she held it in 1775. 

A member of the Society of Friends, named Joseph Beal, bought 
land in New Britain, touching the Buckingham line, before 1750. His 
will was proved March nth, 1752, dying young, leaving a widow, 
Grace, and three minor sons, Thomas, Joseph and William, and 
daughters Sarah and Elizabeth. His wife was a daughter of Mathew 
Gill. This tract was owned by Timothy Smith at one time, and 
subsequently by John Lloyd. The present owner is James Bertles. 
It lay on the north side of the "Academy Lane," an extension of 
Court street. Bcal's widow survived until 1794, when she willed the 
farm to her sons Joseph and William and they sold it to John, 
for 235^. Fronting the Lloyd place, separating it from the Academy 
Lane, was a narrow strip in New Britain, which, in Colonial times, 
belonged to a plantation in Warwick, the late Pickering farm. In 
1805 the will of the late John Pennington, then owner of the Pickering 
farm, ordered sale of so much of his farm as laid in New Britain. 



Hoijlc^tomii, (Dlti mh II 



1 1 

The Formative Period. 

The history of Doylestovvn is a blank h-om 1730 to 1745, in so 
iar as our having knowledge of what was going on within its narrow 
limits. We may presume, however, there was a gradual increase in 
the number of settlers in this semi-wilderness country; there were 
marrying and giving in marriage, farms were opened, dwellings erect- 
ed and old comers and new, the first run of the traditional "Nation 
Makers" were hard at work earning a living for themseh'es and fam- 
ilies. At the Cross roads an occasional log or rough frame house 
went up and the owner moved in; now and then a Conestoga wagon 
from the Durham furnace or the Forks of Delaware passed down the 
Easton road to Philadelphia, returning with a load of necessaries for 
the settlers on that then distant frontier; at other times, more fre- 
quently on a Sunday, we have, in our minds eye, the picture of a 
venerable man' on horseback riding through this cross-road hamlet on 
his way to preach the word to his "Upper Congregation" at Deep 
Run meeting house. 

The year is now 1745, and a new step is taken in the life of the 
hamlet to increase its attractions and develope its growth. For some 
time the want was felt of a place whereat "creature comforts" could 
be obtained for man and beast, and steps were now taken to supply 
this want. 

At the March term of Court William Doyle, the settler of 1730, 



I The Reverend William Tennent, pastor at Neshaminy in Warwick, from 
1726 to 1738, who supplied the Congregation at Deep Run, Bedniinster town- 
ship, once a month. 

9 



lo DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

went down to Newtown, the then county seat, with a petition to the 
Court of Quarter Sessions in his pocket, praying for license to keep a 
pubHc house on the sight of the present Doylestown. It was stated in 
this petition that Doyle lived "between two great roads, one leading 
from Durham to Philadelphia," the other "from Well's Ferry toward 
the Potomack," and "there was no public house within five miles." 
The petition was signed by fourteen of Doyle's neighbors and friends: 
David Thomas, William Wells, Thomas Adams, Thomas Morris, 
John Marks, Hugh Edmond, Clement Doyle, Joseph Burges, Na- 
thaniel West, William Dungan, Solomon McLean, David Eaton, and 
Edward ^oyle. The license was granted, and renewed, from time to 
time, until 1775, when Doyle gave up the occupation. He had kept 
a public inn for thirty years and retired on his laurels. 

Just where this pioneer hostelry was opened would be interesting 
to know after the lapse of one hundred and sixty-seven years. At 
that time William Doyle lived on the New Britain side of Court street, 
which would bring his dwelling in one of the great angles formed by 
the crossing of the jDresent Main and State streets, and it is reasonable 
to suppose the new tavern was near enough to the cross roads to com- 
mand patronage from both. He may have set up a bar in his own 
dwelling, for ought we know to the contrary, until he rented or pur- 
chased a more suitable place, and, in such case, the new location 
would most likely be south and east of Court street, and near one of 
the corners where Main and State streets cross. 

At this time the hamlet could hardly have had more than a half 
dozen houses, log at that, and without a name until a licensed house 
was opened. Then, very naturally, it took the name of "Doyle's 
Tavern," which stuck to it for thirty years. In 1752, seven years 
after William Doyle received his first license, he purchased 19 acres 
and 7 perches of Isabella Crawford, including what is now "Randall's 
Corner," the southeast corner of Main and State streets. Two or 
three locations lay claim to the site of Doyle's first tavern; one, the 
former Scheetz dwelling, is on West Court street, the residence of 
Wynne James. This claim is fortified by an old covered well in the 
middle of the street, and the recollection of an old horse-block, near 
the corner of West Court and North Main, used for mounting and 
dismounting by the frequenters of the tavern, if it stood at that 
location. Among the persons recommended for license, 1774, was 
William Doyle, of Warwick, a fact that proves he was then south of 
Court street. The site of the present Fountain House is claimed by 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. ii 

some as the location of "Doyle's Tavern." There was a tavern there 
early and Daniel Hough at one time kept it. Warren S. Ely, good 
authority, thinks Doyle vacated the Fountain House property when 
he removed to Plumstead, 1775. 

Since the above was written as to the location of " Doyle's 
Tavern" a bit of paper fell into our hands that throws light 
on the subject. This was the return of New Britain retailers for 
1755, which reads as follows: 

" I return William Doyle, Arthur Thomas and John Housekeeper 
for retailers of strong liquors by small measure. " (Signed) Per James 
James, constable of New Britain." But, despite this, there is still 
a doubt as to the location of the Doyle Tavern. In a list of persons, 
recommended by the Court for license at the June term, 1774, for the 
year ensuing, William Doyle is set down as being "in Warwick," which 
would preclude him keeping in New Britain, unless the Court allowed 
him to keep two taverns at the same time, one in Warwick, the other 
in New Britain. We repeat, in conclusion of the subject, that it 
would be highly interesting to know the exact location of " Doyle's 
Tavern " of 1745 and after, for it would let us into the secret where 
the young Doyles, Dungans, McLeans, Wests, Johnsons, Flacks, 
Greirs, Snodgrasses, Riales and other scions of the leading families 
hereabout at that day, spent their evening, and indulged in 

" Sport, that wrinkled care derides. 
And laughter holding both his sides. 
Come and trip it as ye go, 
On the light fantastic toe, " 

with their rustic sweethearts, but we have no Oedipus to unravel the 
secret. 

That Doylestown took its name from the Doyle family, and that 
the name of their tavern was the immediate ancestral name of the village 
is unquestioned. It has had various spellings, beginning with 
"Doyle's Tavern," then "Doyle's Town," next " Doyletown," 
and last Doylestown, the name and spelling of to-day. Soon after 
the British army took possession of Philadelphia, 1777, their engineers 
made a map of the country twenty-five miles around the city, and 
which seems to be correct as to roads and streams. This then log 
hamlet had its proper location at the "crossing of two great highways, 
one running from Durham to Philadelphia, the other from Wells' 
Ferry to the ford on the Schuylkill." On this map we note a new 
spelling of the village name. It is no longer "Doyle's Tavern" 



12 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

but " Doyltown," the same spelling as the present with the exception 
of the syllable "es" between the "1" and the "t. " When it was first 
called by this name we know not, the engineers doubtless, not invent- 
ing this spelling, but borrowing it from some previous map or other 
authority. 

We now come to another interregum in the history of Doyles- 
town, if we may be allowed so to speak, a period when we absolutely 
know nothing of what was going on, in or around it. This was of 
longer duration than the first, embracing thirty-two years, 1745- 1777, 
two years after the colonies took up arms against the mother country. 
The sources of information casting light on this period are very few 
and hard to get at. In the absence of the church and the school, 
there was no centre in the neighborhood where its history could be 
embalmed for future use. While the tavern of William Doyle became 
a resort for the settlers, they were not of a class likely to preserve 
local history while making it. In truth, they had neither the leisure 
nor the inclination to engage in such work. Almost without an ex- 
ception they had enlisted in the battle of life, and young and old 
were "fighting it out on this line" summer and winter. A cross- 
roads hamlet, in a semi-wilderness country, with tavern and smith shop, 
but without church, school or newspaper, is not a locality where pass- 
ing history is apt to be preserved, or have purvey ers to hand it down 
to those who shall come after them. This accounts for our want of 
knowledge of the formative period of the county capital at that 
early day. 

This brings us down to the Revolutionary j)eriod, when the bat- 
tle was on between the colonies and mother country. While our 
hamlet was in touch with these stirring times it played but a very 
modest part in the war for independence. 

In the fall and winter of 1777-78, while the Fkitish army occupied 
Philadelphia and the Continentals lay at Valley Forge, General John 
Lacey, recently commissioned a Brigadier General of Militia, was 
placed in command of the Del.iware-Schuylkill peninsula, to prevent 
the country Tories carrying supplies to the enemy in the city, and 
prevent small parties of the British from raiding the country districts. 
Doylestown was Lacey' s depot of supplies, with a small guard to 
protect them, and sometimes it was his headquarters. He was here 
March 19, 1778, and, in brigade orders, the detail for guard duty men- 
tions, three captains, three sergeants, four corporals and forty-eight 
privates. His duties were arduous. In this order, the name of the vil- 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 13 

lage is spelled the same as at present. While here Lacey's troops did 
not suffer for rations, and of a good quality, the receipts of the pur- 
chasing commissary covering payments for veal, beef, mutton, flour, 
whiskey, turkey and fowls, articles to be found in a Bucks county 
larder in peace or war. In addition to the above, there was an 
occasional passage of small bodies of American troops through the 
village and possibly the meeting of a neighboring company of 
Associators for drill, but there is no record of the enemy ever having 
visited the immediate vicinity, or come nearer than the Crooked 
Billet. Why the British did not attack Lacey's force at Doylestown, 
or make an attempt, is strange. It is evidence he was on the alert 
that does him credit as a commander. 

The largest force passing through Doylestown at any one time 
was the Continental army in June, 1778, on its march from Valley 
Forge to intercept the British in their retreat from Philadelphia to 
New York. The advance of six brigades, under Lee, crossed the 
Delaware at Coryell's Ferry the evening of the 20th, Washington, 
with the main army, encamping at Doylestown the same evening. The 
weather being stormy, he remained until the next afternoon, a news- 
paper^ account saying : "The army occupied three encampments, the 
first in rear of a row of cherry trees, extending southwestward from 
the site of tlie Mansion House, corner of State and Main street, a log 
cabin being occupied during the night as headquarters and bearing 
the imposing words "Cakes and Beer." The second brigade was 
placed near where the Presbyterian Church stands, and the third on 
the farm of Mr. Callender about half a mile from the village, on the 
New Hope road. The army was accompanied by a few warriors of 
the Seneca nation seeking the release of a captured chief and attended 
by friendly Oneidas and Tuscaroras. 

The same newspaper account continues: " As far back as 1778, 
a period of near fifty-five years, there were but two or three log build- 
ings in the place; the oldest occupied and kept as a public house, 
standing nearly, or perhaps quite, on the site where the handsome 
new building of Pugh Dungan now stands. No trace of this venerable 
building was to be observed for a number of years saving a small 
cavity which designated the spot occupied by the cellar and a well 
which has been re-opened by Mr. Dungan. The next was a low log 
building which subsequently gave place to the ' ' Mansion Houes ' ' of 



Bucks County Intelligencer January 7, 1838. 



14 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Mrs. Magill. These were perhaps the only buildings in the place at 
that time." 

One source of information, about the period of which we write, 
comes from the county records* the name of the land owners 
within two miles of Doyle's Tavern in 1776, in the respective town- 
ships around it, portions of which were cut ofi to make Doylestown 
township in 1818; 

New Britain : Moses Aaron, Alexander Brown, Joseph Barton, 
William Beale, Thomas Barton, Christopher Day, Jr., John Dun- 
gan, William Dungan, David Dungan, Nathan Dungan, Daniel 
Evans, Benjamin Evans, Isaac Evans, James Evans, Abraham 
Freed, Thomas Good, Jr., Joseph Hair, Daniel Hough, James 
James, Conrad Keil, Robert Kirkbride, Benjamin Love, John 
Morris, Mennonite Meeting, Hugh Meredith, John Meredith, 
Jonathan Mason, Benjamin Mathews, John Mathews, New Britain 
Baptist Church, Nathan Preston, Richard Riale, Joshua Row- 
land, Henry Rosenberger, David Rees, Jacob Stout, William Step- 
hens, David Stephens, Benjamin Stephens, Evan Stephens, Walter 
Shewell, Rich Swanwick, James Thomas, Jonathan Worthington, 
Samuel Worthington, John Williams, Casper Yoder. 

Warwick: William Beale, Thomas Barton, Joseph Dungan, 
John Dungan, Jonathan Dungan, George Ewer, Jonathan Fell, John 
Fell, Joseph and Samuel Flack, James Hair, John Hough, Joseph 
Hough, Daniel Hough, Jacob Lapp, Robert and Henry Magill, 
William Miller, John Mclntyre, Thomas Meredith, Simon Meredith, 
Samuel McKinstry, Edward and John Pool, Joseph Rodman, William 
Rodman, John Robinson, Ludwig Switzer, James Snodgrass. 

Buchitigham: Abner Bradtield, John Bradfield, John Burgess, 
Alexander Brown, Christopher Day, Jonathan Fell, Zenas Fell, 
George Fell, David Henderson, Thomas Jones, John Leinberger, 
Nathan McKinstry, John Samuels, George Walters, Henry Wierman, 
Thomas West. 

Flumstead: Abraham Freed and Christopher Day, Jr. 

One thing worthy of note, in this connection, is the fact that none 
of the Doyles are mentioned among the list of land owners in 1776, 
within two miles of the cross roads that subsequently became Doyles- 
tf>wn. It will be remembered, however, that William Doyle removed 
to Plumstead township in 1776, and ])arted with his land at the time, 
and other members of the family doubtless had previously sold theirs. 



4 Furnished by Charles Hall, Esq. 



loijlc^toiun, i^lh anh l\m. 



1 1 1 

Early Business Life. 

The first record, of the business life of Doylestown, carries us 
back to 1779, possibly a year or two earlier, when Jesse Fell was 
keeping store at the cross-roads. In that year he purchased forty 
acres of land of John Robinson, who was designated in the deed as 
"storekeeper." He was a brother of Joseph Fell, the blacksmith, 
on the site of the Ross mansion, and a son of Thomas and Jane Fell, 
Buckingham, where he was born April 16, 1751. He removed to 
Wilkesbarre about 1790, where he became quite prominent. He 
made the first successful experiment of burning antharcite coal in 
a grate; held several public positions, including Associate Judge, and 
died August 11, 1830. The next venture in store keeping, at Doyles- 
town, was in 1785, one hundred and seventeen years prior to this 
writing, when Christian Wirts, Jr. kept a branch store here in connect- 
ion with his father at Philadelphia. The Durham furnace records show 
that it did considerable business with the Philadelphia Wirts, the 
earliest purchase being made at Doylestown, September 26, 1788, of 
seven Indian blankets, ^3. 16.6. The bill was made out to " Richard 
Backhouse, Esq.," then owner of the furnace, but is not receipted. 
It would be interesting to know where this early store stood, and 
when it opened. We have trace of a store, or shop, at Doylestown 
prior to this, to supply the wants of the neighborhood, but the 
date is meagre and uncertain. We learn from John S. Wirts, of 
Philadelphia, that Christfan Wirts, Jr., was the son of Christian 
Wirts (Wurts) who was born in Germany, 1737, and a Major at 

15 



i6 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Lancaster during the Revolution. Christian Wirts, Jr. married Maria 
Hehna Wynkoop, one of the daughters of Judge Wynkoop, of 
Newtown. 

Nathaniel Shewell was also a pioneer store keeper at Doylestown, 
and one of the earliest we have met with. We cannot tell when he 
opened, but he was in business here in 1790, on the site of Randall's 
Hardware store, southeast corner of State and Main streets, and 
closed out his stock of goods at public sale on November 2, 1810, 
and retired. He was now forty years old, and if he had kept store 
continuously, since 1790, he would have spent half his life in 
the business. Possibly the building he occupied was the frame in 
which William Doyle had kept tavern. Nathaniel Shewell was a son 
of Robert and grandson of Walter Shewell, born in New Britain 
township, November 22, 1770, married Cynthia, daughter of Thomas 
Fell, February 3, 1795, and died i860. 

He was prominent in business and politics, elected to the 
Assembly in 1809-10, and was subsequently Sheriff of the county. 
He kept a tavern several years at Doylestown, and owned the ground 
the public buildings were built on, 181 2. The Shewells came to 
America from Gloucester, England, 1729. 

There was no visible improvement, as the last decade of the 
century came in. The Embryo county seat was credited with half a 
dozen dwellings, two taverns, a store or two and a smith shop, these 
making up the hamlet. George Stewart kept a store here in 1805, 
and lived in a log house on the site of The Intelligencer ofifice, after- 
wards known as " Barton Stewart's shop."' Hugh Meredith was at 
or near Armstrong's corner in a stone house with frame office at- 
tached; a small stone tavern, " The Ship," was on the sight of Lenape 
building, which Christian Wirts"" bought in 1791 and kept it some 
time; on Main street, adjoining, was a frame store; on the opposite 
corner of State and Main streets, on the site of the old Mansion House, 
was a frame: a log house stood on the west side of West State street 
on the site afterwards occupied by the old brewery; it had no occupant 
at that time, but, soon afterward, one Joseph Pool kept a groggery 

1 At Doylestown, Jamiary 10, 1S13, at the house of her son-in-law, Barton 
Stewart, Mrs. Rebecca .Sandhani, widow of the late Mathias Sandham, of 
Blockley township, Phihidelphia county. 

2 He was no doubt the Christian W'irls who kept store here in 1785, in 
connection with his father in Pliiladelphia, althou,s:h his name was spelled 
differently. It must be borne in mind that the I )oyle Tavern was licensed in 
] 745, and was probably kept at or near where the two roads crossed. 




N. SHEVVELL. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 17 

there, and Joseph Fell whose shop was in the southwest corner of a 
little stone structure that subsequently grew to be the ' ' Ross Mansion. ' ' 
This was the make up of Doylestown one hundred and eleven years 
ago, obtained from the most reliable sources, but, humble as it was, 
it possessed the seed, everywhere sown in this country, from which 
spring towns, cities, and great metropolisses. 

A visible sign of improvement and progress, as the last decade of 
the eighteenth century expired, was the running of a stage, through 
Doylestown, between Easton and Philadelphia. This was put on ten 
years prior to the opening of a post ofSce here, and eight before the 
century expired. John Nicholaus3 was the earliest proprietor, and the 
line commenced running April 29, 1792, making weekly trips, down on 
Monday and up on Thursday, fare $2.00. There is hardly a doubt 
it carried the mail. In the spring of 1794, Lawrence Erb, of Easton, 
put on an opposition line to Philadelphia, both running down the 
Easton road, and through Doylestown on the same days. The fare 
was the same, Erb's line allowing passengers ten pounds of baggage. 
As early as 1800, a semi-weekly stage ran from Philadelpha through 
Doylestown, to Bethlehem, but whether it carried the mail is not 
known. These stage lines were the pioneers between the lower Dela- 
ware and the Lehigh, and the region beyond to the Susquehanna, and 
there is hardly a doubt they were the first to supply that far away 
frontier with its mail matter. A more extended account of the mails 
and stages centering at, or running through, Doylestown will be found 
in a subsequent chapter, entitled "The Stage and the Mails." 

By the close of the century there had been some additional 
progress made, and the little town of the Doyles seemed disposed to 
exchange its swadling clothing for the garments of sturdy boyhood. 

As the new century turned its back on the old we find Charles 
Stewart keeping a tavern on the site of the Fountain House, and 
probably the present building was part of it, where the Bethlehem 
mail stage stopped for dinner; Jacob Thomas was saddler, cap, holster 
and harness maker; and Joseph Stewart carried on the same business, 
"on the Swede's ford road the first house below Doylestown." The 
site of the village was well-wooded. Timber extended up both 
sides of Main street, from Broad to the Dublin road, reaching 
back some distance; on the north side of Court street out to the 

3 Nicholaus died at Easton, 1807. 



i8 DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 

borough line, and the Riale and Armstrong farm were covered with 
timber. 

In the course of researches we come upon a document of some 
interest, of which the following is a copy: "In three months after date 
I promise to pay to William Magill, or order, the just and full sum of 
seven pounds current lawful money of Pennsylvania with lawful 
interest from the date for value received, as witness my hand and seal, 
September i6th, 1799. 

Witness present, (Signed) JNO. ROSS. 

RoBT. Murray. (Seal). 

We have already mentioned the Kirkbride estate on the north- 
western confine of the borough, and that his vast realty was inherited 
by his heirs. One of these was Robert Kirkbride, probably a grand- 
son, who owned the Chapman farm. His executors, shortly after his 
death, made a sale of building lots, including both sides of the slope of 
the Germany hill. This was in 1799, the first public sale of lots at 
Doylestown, and among the purchasers, were Elijah Russell, William 
Magill, George Stewart, John Byerly and Eleazer Fenton. This was 
the south end of the plantation. 

Down to this time we have refrained from discussing the question 
of population, a subject difficult to handle in a hamlet without records; 
as we are about to pass into a new century it is well to give the 
reader the best estimate of the population we are able to make, and 
with the figures we give the authority. In 1856, the late Thomas 
Lewis, Buckingham, who died tliat year at the age of eighty-two, 
told William J. Buck that he had known Doylestown all his life, and 
the houses, at 1790, did not exceed twenty. If we accept this as the 
number of dwellings, and allow five to a family, it gives a population 
of one hundred persons. As Mr. Lewis lived near the village, and 
doubtless was frequently at it, and was si.xtcen years old at 1790, he 
is a competent witness, and we doubt if one more reliable can be pro- 
duced. It is safe, then, to set down the population of Doylestown, 
1790, at one hundred souls, men women and children. The increase, 
for the next ten years, is altogether a matter of conjecture, but we 
make a liberal allowance in estimating it at 25, giving a population of 
125, when we turn out of the old century into the new. 

Everything considered, its lowly birth, humble beginning and 
surroundings, the absence of outside help, and the fact that the 
country was recovering from a long and exhaustive war, it will be con- 
ceded that our hamlet had been fairly successful in the race of life. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 19 

but the coming decade will emphasize its future hope. A period of 
ten years, that brings to a cross-road village a newspaper, a post-office 
with mail facilities, a classical school and a public library, lays the 
foundation of a church and is declared the future county seat of one 
of the original counties of the commonwealth, deserves to be called 
prosperous. At this day villages grow with much greater rapidity, 
but, it must be borne in mind, that was a very conservative period, and 
now towns, cities and villages grow up like mushrooms. 

As the eighteenth century turned into the nineteenth, a newspaper 
made its appearance at the cross-roads village, the Farmers^ IVeekly 
Ga^^ette, published by Isaac Ralston, of which more will be said in 
the eighth chapter, on the " Newspaper Press." It throws but 
little, if any, light on the period, of the hamlet or where published ; 
it contained not a line of the village life or its business life except 
the following reference: "The Bethlehem mail stage, running to 
Philadelphia, will dine at the house of Charles Stewart* in Doyles- 
town; a saddle and bridle were found near Doylestown, and the Re- 
publican citizens of Bucks county met at Charles Stewart's tavern on 
Saturday, the 22nd of November, 1800." 

By this time the hamlet had grown to a village of 125 inhabitants, 
according to our estimate, and the first recognition, that it had come 
to stay, was the opening of a post-ofifice in January, 1802, and the ap- 
pointment of Charles Stewart as post-master. 

We now reach the year 1804, an important period in the life of 
the hamlet of the Doyles, by the arrival of two new factors that 
added strength to its young life, the building of the Union Academy, 
and the establishment of a second newspaper, The Pennsylvania Cor- 
respondent and Farmers' Gazette, by Asher Miner, 5 the one set up in 
1800 having given up the ghost. The chapter on newspapers will 
likewise have more to say of the Cor respondent. 

The coming down of the Rev. Uriah DuBois from Dublin, and 
the opening of the Union Academy, in 1805, were matters of great 
import. The erection of the Academy may be set down on the credit 
side of Mr. DuBois' account; he was the moving spirit, and some of 
the ofificers and members of his church were active in the work. A 
man of his culture would naturally be the motive power of such an 

4 Present Fountain House. 

5 At West Chester, Pa., February 9, 1S31, Mary Minor, wife of Asher 
Minor, aged about 50 years. 



20 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

enterprise. In this building one room was reserved for religious wor- 
ship, and the meetings held there were the germ of the Presbyterian 
church that was founded ten years later. It is an interesting coinci- 
dence and creditable to the period, that two such powerful agents, as 
the church and the press, should drive in their stakes the same year at 
this country hamlet. Was there a Providence in this coincidence ? 
The Academy and the newspaper were the parent of the culture of the 
period and their influence extended beyond their local boundaries. 
The first issue of Miner's paper was July 7, 1804. 

The village was now well equipped with mechanics, dealers, 
traders et al. to carry on the affairs of the new-born community, and 
the paper informs us who and what they were. The list is headed 
with Daniel Farley "from the cities of New York and Philadelphia," 
who advertised as " sign and portrait painter, glazier and paper- 
hanger," and, through printers ink, "solicits a share of public favor," 
and expresses his gratitude " for the commands he has received since 
his residence in Doylestown." He had his "shop," not studio, 
directly over the "new printing office." What a gap there is in 
art from "sign" to "portrait" painter! George Stewart in 1805, 
who carried on making saddles "at the old stand a few rods south- 
west of the two taverns,"^ probably the same who kept store here that 
year; Andrew Dennison, Simon Jameson, Meshash Minerer, Jr., and 
William Huntsmen were village cobblers, who called a meeting of the 
Master Shoemakers, " who feel interested in the proper regulation of 
the prices." By 1805, Doylestown had a hatter, in the person of 
John Knight; a taylor, in Goden Hall, a cousin of the late Samuel 
Hall, who "makes Ladies Great Coats in the newest fashion;" Ben- 
jamin Drake was blacksmith but had to leave October 12th; and 
Daniel MTntosh had lately commenced the business of "spinning 
wheel and Windsor chair making." 

Asher Mmer announces in his newspaper, now a year and a half 
old, in the issue of December 2nd, 1805, that he had removed his 
printing apparatus "to the new and convenient building just erected, 
adjoining his dwelling house at the upper end of the village, and 



6 The "two taverns" were what is now the Fountain House, and the 
"Ship" on the site of "Lenape Building". And a few rods southwest would 
be a short way out West .State street. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 21 

directly opposite the Academy;" 7 and that over the printing office, 
Zerick Titus " made and repaired saddles, bridles and harness." In 
the fall of 1804, David Kirkbride advertises for sale a tract of 30 or 
40 acres adjoining the village, " on the stage road from Easton and 
Bethlehem to Philadelphia principally covered with timber," and is 
" probably one of the best stands in the county for a tan yard, there 
being a large spring upon it. " This embraced the slope of "Ger- 
many" hill, the " Clear Spring" hotel property, anii, beyond, part of 
the Chapman farm. 

The second sale of building lots, in Doylestovvn, was held on Sat- 
urday, February 8th, 1806, by John Black, "on the main road from 
Norristown to Coryell's Ferry." This was somewhere on State street, 
but there is no indication as to location, price, or purchasers' names 
if any lots were sold. 

The factors of progress were constantly added to. In January, 
1805, the representative in Congress, from this district, had an act 
passed for the opening of two post routes through the county; one 
from Bristol, via Newtown, and Doylestown to Quakertown; and the 
other from Coryell's Ferry, via Doylestown to Lancaster, both of 
great convenience to Miner's newspaper, the post-office and the public 
generally. Prior to this there was but a single mail route through 
the county, from Philadelphia, via Doylestown to Bethlehem and 
Easton. The progress made in the village, in the past few years, 
was more than respectable, quite astonishing for the period, and gave 
evidence of enterprise; a newspaper, an Academy, a public library, a 
post office with three mail routes, several mechanics, two taverns, that 
many or more stores, grouped about the cross roads fairly well equip- 
ped the coming village. 

By 1807, the prospect looked so encouraging for the future, it 
was thought best to open a new street, or road, and this led to the 
laying out and opening of the "Academy Lane," the present Court 
street, on the township line of New Britain and Warwick, from the 
Easton road to Buckingham line, 33 feet wide. The landholders, 

7 The location of the new building is easily fixed. Asher Miner lived in 
the stone house that stood on the site of the dwelHngs of N. C. and J. D. 
James, on the west side of North Main street, back of the Court House, and 
the new printing office, frame, ahnost joined the house. In this building the 
Bucks County Express was last pubHshed. It was "directly opposite the 
Academy" for, at that early day, there was nothing to obstruct the view across 
the intervening field, and neither Court nor Broad street was yet opened. 
This was before "Germany" was founded, and the Court House built. 



22 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

along the new highway were as follows, beginning at the Easton road, 
now Main street: On the south side. Barton Stewart, Nathaniel 
Shewell, the Union Academy, Jonathan and Daniel Mcintosh, Asher 
Miner, Dr. Hugh Meredith and John Pennington; and, on the north 
side, also beginning at the Easton road, Nathaniel Shewell, John 
Black, Samuel Wigton, John Shaw,^ John Worman, Uriah DuBois, 
Septimus Evans, Josiah Y. Shaw, Israel Vanluvanee and John Penn- 
ington. This was followed, i8ri, by the laying out and opening of 
the present Broad street, from the New Hope road to the Easton road 
on the line of lands of Septimus Evans and Uriah DuBois; on the east 
side of the site for the public buildings, Nathaniel Shewell and Isaac 
Hall on the west. 

The question of a County Alms House was agitated as early as 
1790, the main argument, in its favor, being the less expense and 
greater convenience in keeping the poor. Under the old system the 
county was divided into districts, each keeping its own poor, which 
proved expensive and troublesome. The proposed change met with 
great opposition from the Germans, as they furnished few paupers. 
The bill was signed by the Governor, April loth, 1807, was approved 
by the Court, Grand Jury and Commissioners at the next term, and 
Thomas Long, William Watts, William Ruckman and David Spinner 
were elected Commissioners to erect the buildings at the following 
October election. Several townships were exempt from the provisions 
of the Act of Assembly, but were authorized to share its benefits by 
paying their pro rata of the cost of the erection of buildings, etc. 
Eighteen townships were named in the act, all below and including, 
Plumstead, New Britain and Hilltown. 

On the passage of the bill, the Alms House war was waged with 
increased bitterness, and every possible influence brought to bear 
against the purchase of a site. Although the act was passed three 
years prior to that for the removal of the county seat, it was a warn- 
ing to its friends what they might expect when that question should 
be pressed. The effect was to unite them against the Alms House 
scheme, but without avail. On December 20th, 1808, the Com- 
missioners purchased of Gilbert Rodman,'^ the "Spruce Hill" farm, 
then in Warwick township, of 360 acres at ;^2o per acre, a large 
portion being covered with timber. 

The purchase of the farm renewed the opposition that had some- 

8 The Burges map. 

9 In Doylestown, August 26lh, 1835, Hannah Rodman, daughter of the 
late Gilbert Rodniau. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 23 

what subsided, and John Watson wrote several violent articles against 
it over his own signature. Meetings were held and lampooning hand- 
bills issued and circulated. A meeting, to sustain the purchase, was 
held at the public house of Septimus Hough, Warwick, at which 
several depositions were taken to prove the farm was well-watered, 
well- timbered and tlie soil fertile. All opposition failed to set aside 
the purchase, which the Court confirmed, and arrangements were 
made for beginning the work. The corner-stone was laid May 4th, 
1809, and it was pushed to completion as actively as possible. 

The corner-stone laying was made an event of some significance 
which the correspondent recorded as taking place "In the presence of 
the assembled workmen, and a number of neighboring gendemen; a 
'libation,' consisting of liquors of several kinds, was provided for the 
occasion by the directors and two other gentlemen at their private ex- 
pense: the corner-stone was laid by Mr. Hall,'° Master Mason." The 
buildings were finished in less than a year, the entire cost of material, 
erection, furnishing and stocking the farm, being $19,029, which, add- 
ed to the price paid for the land, $19,280,00, made the entire cost 
$38.309- 13- During its erection the directors paid $94,775^ for 
whiskey for the workmen. The first death in the new Alms House 
occured April 23, 18 10." 

Among the deaths at the Alms Housei^ was that of Dr. William 
Bachelor, of Moreland township, Montgomery county, April 4th, 1826. 
He was a surgeon in General Gates' army at the battle of Saratoga, 
and, after the war, settled in Bucks county and married Eleanor Hart, 
daughter of Silas Hart, Warminster. He was buried in the Vansant 
graveyard. Dr. Bachelor had a good practice, but ruined himself and 
wasted his estate by dissipation. He was a man of many excen- 
tricities and some of his actions are still rehearsed. He was a native 
of Massachusetts. 

10 Isaac Hall, father of the late Samuel Hall, Doylestown. 

11 This was a black woman, named "Dinah," a native of this county, form- 
edy a slave of Jeremiah Langhorne, and supposed to be 116 years old. 

12 At the Alms House, November 21st, 1812, Catharine Leonard, aged 102 
years. Since she arrived at 100 she had spun 200 dozens of flax yarn. 



■«^^d^ 



|)oi)lC0toiun, i^lh anil Item. 



IV 
Becomes the County Scat. 

The first effort to remove the county seat from Newtown to 
Doylestown, was made as early as 1784, petitions being presented to 
the Legislature that session. The petition, from this vicinity, was 
read March 28th, and, with a single exception, they were all couched 
in the same language and the same reason assigned: 

"The great disadvantage of having the Courts of Justice held in a 
place very 'uncentral' in said county, whereby the expense of attend- 
ing on juries and other occasions fall very unequally on the freemen 
of said county; the present Court House and prison are old and 
decaying, and must soon be rebuilt from the foundation which makes 
the present a proper time to apply to your Honorable House for leave 
to build a Court House and prison on a better plan at Doyles- 
town," etc. 

A draft of the village accompanies the petitions, but that has 
disappeared. To this petition were the names of 114 signers, among 
them those of Dungan, Greir, Hines, Meredith, Wigton, James, 
Harris, Mathews, Stephens, Flack, Shewell, Darrah and others well 
known at the present day. There were eight petitions in all, contain- 
ing 2-84 names, and, as a whole, the signers, were men who controlled 
public sentiment in their respective neighborhoods. On one of the 
petitions was the name of Zebulon Pike, Solebury, father of General 
Zebulon M. Pike, killed at the capture of York, Canada, 18 13. The 
draft of the village was with the Doylestown petition, and also a 

24 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 25 

subscription list of some ^300 toward erecting the new Court House 
and prison. Jesse and Joseph Fell, of Doylestown, were the heaviest 
subscribers, who also pledged themselves to give a suitable piece of 
ground to erect the public buildings on. 

Other subsequent and unsuccessful efforts were made to change 
the location of the county seat before it became an accomplished fact. 
There was one in 1795, when the same reasons were given, but almost 
a generation elapsed before the county seat was changed to its present 
eligible site. Soon after the nineteenth century came in, the agitation, 
for the removal of the county seat to Doylestown, was renewed and 
continued until success crowned the effort, by the Governor approv- 
ing the bill. The movement, this time, was general except in the 
lower end of the county, the project for erecting a new jail and Court 
House at Newtown, giving it emphasis. The fight was a bitter one, 
minister and layman taking part in it, one of the most active, for 
removal, being the Rev. Nathaniel Irwin, pastor of Neshaminy 
Presbyterian church, Warwick. After the removal was accomplished, 
some wag of an artist depicted the part the parson had taken, by a 
charcoal sketch on the walls of the old Court House, representing him 
with a rope across his shoulders and around the building and he 
tugging away as for dear life toward Doylestown. The Governor 
signed the bill, February 28th, 1810. The success of the friends of 
the measure aptly fitted a familiar quotation from Shakespeare, 
"There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads 
on to fortune." 

The act of Assembly, authorizing the removal of the county seat, 
empowered the Governor 

" To appoint three discreet and disinterested persons, one from 
the county of Northampton, one from the county of Chester and one 
from the county of Berks, not holding any real estate in the county of 
Bucks, whose duty it shall be to fix on a proper and convenient site 
for a Court House, prison and county offices to be erected not more 
than three miles from Bradshaw's corner, where the roads leading 
from Wilkinson's tavern' to the Cross Keyes, intersects with the 
public road leading from Doyls Town to Vanhorn's tavern, admitted 
to be the centre of said county." 

The Governor named as Commissioners, Edward Darlington, 

I Wilkinson's tavern was then at Bushington, and Vanhorn's at Centre- 
ville and " Bradshaws Comer," the present Pool's Corner, on the New Hope 
turnpike a mile from Doylestown. 



26 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Chester; Nicholas Kern, Northampton, and Gabriel Hiester, Berks 
county, who were required to view the respective site and transmit 
their report to the County Commissioners, on or before the first Mon- 
day in June. The Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth forwarded 
the commissions in care of the Prothonotary of the respective counties 
with an authenticated copy of the Act of Assembly. 

The Commissioners met at Doylestown, May 12th, 18 10, and 
viewed the sites recommended, three in all; at Doylestown, the Turk, 
a mile south of Doylestown, and at Bradshaw's Corner, a mile to the 
east. Strong influence was brought in favor of each location, the 
friends of the Turk, then called " Houghville," laying out a pros- 
pective village, the original plot of which belongs to the author, and 
a copy hangs in the museum of the Bucks County Historical Society; 
but Doylestown, already quite a considerable village, with an 
academy and a newspaper, was selected unanimously, its fine healthy 
location being within a few hundred yards of the geographical centre 
of the county, and at the intersection of two great highways, were 
doubtless the factors that decided the question. The report was 
made out and signed the same day, in which the Commissioners say 
they had "fixed upon a lot of land, herein after described, situated in 
the township of New Britain, in the said county of Bucks, in or near 
the village commonly called Doyls Town." This report was accom- 
panied by a draft of the land recommended for a site for the public 
buildings, as surveyed and drawn by George Surges.^ 

The land selected for the public buildings was the triangular lot 
on which the Court House now stands, and where the old jail stood, 
belonging to Nathaniel Shewell, in New Britain, containing 2 acres 
and 121 perches. The transfer of the property to Jacob Weaver, 
Thomas Jenks and John Corson, the Commissioners of the county, 
was made the same day the site was agreed upon; the deed was 
acknowledged before John Shaw, Esq., and the witnesses, Edward 
Darlington, Gabriel Hiester, and Nicholas Kern, the three Com- 
missicMiers to select the site. The land was practically a gift to the 
county, the consideration in the deed being one dollar. The bound- 
ary of the tract was as follows: 

"Beginning at a corner in the post road leading from Easton to 
Philadelphia; thence along a street by land of Septimus Evans, south- 

2 It will be noticed the draft is signed May nth, the day before the Com- 
missioners met, indicating that the friends of this location were sure of get- 
ting the decision before the site was viewed. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 27 

east 32 perches to a corner in a public road, being a corner of land 
appropriated for the use of an Academy, thence southwest by other 
land of Nathaniel Shewell 19 perches; thence along other land of said 
Shewell northwest 15 perches to middle of said post road; thence 
north along the same 28 perches to the place of beginning. 3 

From this draught, it would appear that Nathaniel Shewell, 
Charles Meredith, Asher Miner, Serick Titus and Septimus Evans 
were the only land owners bordering the property conveyed to the 
county, but there were probably others. Shewell owned the land 
from Ikoad street to Pine on Court, and also what was afterward the 
Ross property. Although Broad street was not opened until the 
following year, it is dotted as if already opened, and the same is the 
case with Pine. Pine was probably intended to go through to Main, 
but never opened farther than Court, and we believe about the time 
the village was made the county seat. 

In the meantime an effort was made to extend the time for the 
erection of the public buildings, a movement of its enemies for delay, 
but it failed in its purpose; whereupon James Chapman, clerk to the 
board of County Commissioners, advertised, March 23rd, 181 1, for 
"Proposals, in writing, for furnishing material, and for mechanics and 
workmen for the erection of the necessary public buildings, at Doyles- 
town." The carpenter work was given to Levi Bond, Newtown, and 
the mason work to Timothy Smith, Doylestown, the wages being fix- 
ed at $1 a day, the hands to work without regard to hours.'' Samuel 
O. Holt, a journeyman mason, who worked on the public buildings, 
was living, and quite active, in 1876, and, so far as is known, the 
only one then living. 

As soon as the contracts were signed, and the material delivered, 
ground was broken and the work of erecting the buildings begun. 
In the issue of Miner's Cofr^S/)0«J^/?/, April 13th, 1812, we find the 
following notice of the progress on the work: 

"The sound of the hammer and the hum of the building may be 
witnessed on the public grounds in this village. The carpenters and 
masons commenced their operations during the past week, under the 

3 This lot was part of the 30 acres Joseph Fell bought at Sheriff's sale, 1788, 
and was conveyed to Nathaniel .Shewell by Fell's administrator, 1802. The 
property belonged to William Doyle, 1750, when he sold it to Israel Pemberton. 

4 The proposals were received by the Commissioners and opened at the 
public house of Enoch Harvey, Doylestown, at 10 A. M.. April 8th, and the 
County Commissioners met at the same place, in November, to close the con- 
tract for furnishing the stone for the jail wall, lime, sand, iron, work, etc. 



28 DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 

superintendency of Jonathan Smith, Esq. 5 Sheds for the workmen are 
erected, and the cellar of the Court House is progressing. May suc- 
cess attend their exertions! The work was pushed and the buildings 
finished in the spring of 1S13, almost three years from the time the 
site was selected. On April 20th, when the new buildings were about 
completed, and the offices on the point of being removed to Doyles- 
town, the following notice was made public : " Whereas, the records 
and papers in the Register's, Recorder's, and Prothonotary's ofitices 
in Newtown will soon be packed up for removal to their new apart- 
ments, in Doylestown, no business will be done in their offices, from 
the loth to the 24th of May, and the next Court will be held at 
Doylestown on the 31st of May."^ 

The Bucks County Intelligencer of January, 1833, in an article 
speaking generally of Doylestown, says of the erection of the public 
buildings of 181 2- 13: 

"Preparations for building were commenced in the latter part of 
the year 181 1, and they were completed in 1813. They were built 
of the best material and in a superior manner; and are, perhaps, 
unequalled by any County Court House and jail in the state. The 
amount for erecting the entire building is $38,007.31, since which 
time alternations have been made, the more recent of which were in 
1 83 1, when the Court House underwent a thorough repair, the 
expense amounting to $2,111.74." 

The last Court held at Newtown was a Criminal Court in March, 
1 813, and arrangements were shortly under way for a transfer to 
the new county seat. Judge Bird Wilson issued a proclamation 
April 28th, from Newtown, for a Criminal Court at Doylestown May 
31st, the first held in the new Court House. The last business done 
in the public offices at Newtown was on May loth, and, meanwhile, to 
May 31st, the records were removed, and the Court held as announ- 
ced. The first prisoners to escape from the new jail were John H. 

5 One of the Commissioner.s. 

6 The old public buildings, at Newtown, were sold at public sale by the 
Commissioners, January 25th, 1.S13. The property was divided into four 
parcels, the Commissioners reserxing the Court House bell, the iron doors in 
the offices; all the stoves belonging to the county, the books, papers, cases, 
boxes, chairs, etc. Lots i, 2 and 3, on which stood the Court House, jail, the 
old office and .stable, were struck off to John Hulme at |;i,6oo, and No. 4, 
the new office, now occupied by the Newtown National Bank, to William 
Watts at I900. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 29 

Hayes and Samuel Trumbower, March i6th, 1816, but were pursued 
and captured after a fight. ^ 

The removal of the county seat to Doylestovvn caused 
considerable bitterness; with some it lasted for years, with others 
through life. The change of the seat of justice touched some in the 
pocket, the most sensitive part of one's personality, but the removal 
was for the public convenience. The following paragraph from the 
Patriot of July i8th, 1825, shows the feeling at that time: "We have 
seen petitions in circulation for the removal of the seat of justice of 
Bucks county from Doylestown to Easton." 

The removal caused some activity in real estate at Doylestown, 
and several pieces of property were offered for sale. On January ist, 
1813, the dwelling of Rev. Uriah DuBois, now the property of Judge 
Yerkes, corner of Broad and State streets, was offered for sale, and 
Lot Carr also offered a house, with 40 perches of land attached, "near 
the centre of business on the main stage road," and a lot adjoining 
on which are a new two-story frame house and a comfortable shop 
for a mechanic;" and Daniel Mcintosh offered a handsome lot of 2 
acres and 18 perches, " fronting almost 20 rods on the stage road, on 
which are erected a two-story frame house, a convenient work-shop 
for a mechanic and a good stable, the buildings all nearly new." 

The transfer of the Courts, public officers and their families, to 
the new county seat was quite an event; and many friends and neigh- 
bors assisted. The author frequently heard his father speak of this 
moving, at which he was present. He was then a young man of twenty- 
five. In the afternoon, after the men of the party had their dinner, 
a number of them went into the jail yard and engaged in the old ball 
game known as "Fives," popular at that period, but not 
practiced now. 

No sooner was the county seat changed, than an active effort was 
begun to divide the county, with a view of first making Newtown and 
then Bristol the seat of justice of the new county. This was kept up for 
forty years, and the question was raised in more than one political 
campaign. The late C. N. Taylor was the leader, and, sometimes 

7 They were cutting wood in the yard, and while the jailor had his back 
turned, skipped out through the kitchen, fastening the door behind them, and 
then through the dwelling into the street. In their recapture Hayes had his 
arm broken and Trumbower wounded in the head. Four prisoners escaped 
the night of March 15th, 1827, and two the night of December 3rd, 1830. 



30 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

came very near success, but the constitution of 1874 has made the 
division practically impossible. 

The last effort to divide the county, and which came near being 
successful, was in 1855. It passed the House and reached the Com- 
mittee of the Senate, which was said to be in its favor. In the early 
spring of 1855, Enos Prizer and Henry T. Darlington, two young 
printers from Chester county, bought the Bucks County Intelligencer, 
and, of course, were against a division of the county. On a Sunday in 
March they drove down to Davisville and requested the late General 
John Davis to go to Harrisburg and try to prevent the passage of the 
bill. He went with reluctance, although opposed to division, reach- 
ing the Capital early in the evening. The first man General Davis 
called on was his old friend Simon Cameron, to whom he stated the 
case. Cameron consented to do what he could, but stipulated that 
they, Cameron and Davis, must not be seen together. When the 
Senate Committee met, those for and against division were heard, 
including General Davis and Caleb N. Taylor, the latter the great 
champion of division, but General Cameron was nowhere to be seen. 
He had done his work outside. The committee was unanimous 
against division and so reported. The people of Bucks are indebted to 
General Cameron for preventing the mutilation of Penn's old county. 
At that time, Howard K. Sagers, of Northampton township, was the 
Senator from Bucks and opposed division. 

In after years the county jails of the state got into such a bad 
repute as to cleanliness and good management, that visitations were 
made to them. In the 40' s, Miss Dix, a noted philanthropist of New 
York, visited the Doylestown jail and Alms House, of which she 
spoke in the following terms: 

"Bucks county jail at Doylestown is a well-built prison in good 
order and repair, the departments being comfortable and decent. I 
found here four prisoners, two men and two women, committed for 
immoralities, all occupying one room by da)'. It would appear that 
" if evil communications are corrupting, they were not likely to leave 
the prison with amended purposes or repentent minds." 

" The County Poor House is in Warwick township, three miles 
from Doylestown. The situation is ele\'ated, pleasant and healthful. 
The farm is large, productive and well cultivated. All things per- 
taining to it are creditable to the Superintendent." Since that period 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 31 

there has been great improvement in the management of such 
institutions. 

When the seat of justice was transferred to Doylestown, the local 
members of the bar, with two exceptions, came with it, there being 
but eight practicing attorneys at that time. It was the custom for 
Philadelphia attorneys to attend the Courts of neighboring counties, 
and some of them were present at Newtown at every term. This 
custom was continued for a number of years, after the county seat 
was removed, but gradually relinquished. They who followed the 
county seat to Doylestown and are designated the pioneer bar, 
were the following with the date of their admission: Abraham Chap- 
man, 1790; Francis B. Shaw, 1800, Enos Morris and William Mc- 
Ilheny, 1801; John Fox, 1807; Mathias Morris, 1809; John D. 
Roney, 1812, and William W, Hart, 1813. Mr. Hart was Clerk of 
the Orphan's Court, having been appointed to succeed the Rev. 
James Boyd, deceased. 

Enos Morris remained at Newtown making it his permanent 
home, and died there. He was a member of the Southampton Bap- 
tist Church, and a regular attendant. Of John D. Roney we know 
nothing. Francis B. Shaw, born in New Britain, and son of John 
Shaw, divided his time, for a few years, between Philadelphia and 
Doylestown, but finally made the latter place his home. He was 
deprived of his sight, for two years, by a cataract, but an operation b)-- 
Dr. Phisick, Philadelphia, restored it in 181 5, and he returned to 
practice. He passed the remainder of his life at Doylestown occu- 
pied with his profession and journalism, for which he had a taste, 
dying in 1832, at the age of fifty-six. "Frank" Shaw, as all his 
acquaintance called him, and by which name he is still known by the 
few survivors of that period, was a man of ability and, in some 
respects, a picturesque character. 

Abraham Chapman was born in Wrightstown, and his wife, a 
daughter of Dr. Hugh Meredith, in Doylestown. She, being an invalid, 
they came up from Newtown in advance of the bar and court, and she 
died at her father's home. Mathias Morris was born in Hilltown, 
where the family settled at an early day. He entered politics and 
served one term in Congress and one in the State Senate, but contin- 
ued the practice of the law to his death. ^ On the expiration of John 
Fox's term as Deputy Attorney General for the county, 1821, Mathias 

8 At Doylestown, November Sth, 1839, Mathias Morris, aged fifty-four 
years. 



32 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Morris was appointed in his stead, January 2nd. William W. Hart, 
the youngest member of the pioneer bar, and born in Southampton 
township, was a nephew of William Watts, after whom he was named. 
Mr. Fox, the only one of the number who reached the bench, survived 
them all. 

Bird Wilson was President Judge when the change of the seat of 
Justice came, but never resided in the county, making his home at 
Norristown. He was born at Philadelphia, January 8th, 1777, sat on 
our bench from February 28th, 1806, to January ist, 18 18, when he re- 
signed to enter the church, and died April 14th, 1859. He was the 
son of James Wilson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and 
also of the Convention that formed the United States Constitution, 
and \V^ashington called him the "father of the Constitution." Wilson 
was third President Judge of this district under the then judicial sys- 
tem, his predecessors having been John D. Cox and James Biddle. 
The associates at the removal were Samuel Hart and Robert Smith, 
and John Fox, the prosecuting officer, called "Deputy Attorney Gen- 
eral." The coming of the members of the bar, and court officials, to 
Doylestown with their families, increased the sparce population of the 
village and was an addition to its social life. 

Mr. Fox was probably the ablest of the lawyers that came up 
from Newtown and we do not believe he had his superior in any that 
followed him. He read law with Alexander J. Dallas, Philadelphia, 
and commenced practice at Newtown as soon as admitted. He was 
a well-read lawyer, booked in the political history of the country, and 
familiar with English literature. When he addressed the Court or 
jury he dealt in facts, leaving fancy to others, and what he said went 
home straight as the arrow fhes. He made his mark on the bench. At 
the Mina-Chapman trial, 1832, with which the science of chemistry had 
much to do in reaching the truth, the experts found him their equal. 
His opinion, delivered in the case denying the right of negroes to vote 
in Pennsylvania, 1838, attracted wide attention, and was quoted by 
DeToccjueville in his "Democracy in America." 

The removal of the seat of justice was shortly followed by the 
organization of a new township encircling the county seat, 18 19, 
taken from the three contiguous townships of Buckingham, New 
Britain, and Warwick. The line of these townships run through the 
middle of the village, which frequently led to great inconvenience. 
In 18 1 8, the inhabitants awoke to the necessity of a change in this 
matter and a petition was presented to the August Quarter Sessions 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 33 

Court. In response to the prayer of the petitioners, Thomas G. 
Kennedy,^ Thomas Yardley and Thomas Story were appointed Com- 
missioners to "lay out a new township, of which the Court House 
should be the centre as nearly as might be convenient. ' ' They 
reported in favor of a new township to be called Doylestown, to the 
November Sessions; the report was confirmed at the following term, 
1819, and the township laid out accordingly. 

The area of the township, according to the survey, was 10,050 
acres, of which 5,350 were taken from New Britain, 1,185 ^rom Buck- 
ingham, and 3,515 from Warwick, but the area was subsequendy en- 
larged and the lines changed. The first election for township officers 
was held at the Court House, Friday, March 19th, 1819, with the 
following result: Constable, John D. James, received 89 votes, Isaac 
Benner, 58 and Stephen Brock, 58. The remaining ofificers elected 
were Joshua Riale and John Mann, supervisors; Abraham Geil, Timo- 
thy Smith and Moses Dunlap, setders; and Benjamin Morris, Jr., 
town clerk. 

In 1 82 1 Doylestown township, including the village, had 339 
taxables. The report of the Commissioners, which laid it out, was ac- 
companied by an elaborate map, including several of the surrounding- 
townships, drawn by Thomas G. Kennedy, but it has never fallen un- 
der our notice and do not know what has become of it. Mr. Kennedy 
was a disdnguished engineer of the period. It is just possible the 
map, here alluded to, is confounded with the map Kennedy drew of 
Bucks county in 181 7, for the State, two years before Doylestown 
township was laid out, and for which he received $500. A copy of 
this map, obtained from the office of Internal Affairs, Harrisburg, 
hangs in the room of the Bucks County Historical Society. 



8 At Erwinna, May 24, 1819, by the Rev. Uriah DuBois, Thomas G. Ken- 
nedy, Esq., of Newtown, to Mrs. Julianna Dick, daughter of William Erwin, 
of Erwinna. 

At Erwinna, May 14, 1836, Thomas G. Kennedy, aged fifty-three years. 



|)ot|le0toiim, (01D mh Ikm. 



V 
Historic Walk. 

Before moving on with the progress of events at Doylestown, and 
preparing for the advent of the county seat in the near future, we 
purpose to take a glance at the village about the opening of the nine- 
teenth century. The most satisfactory way of doing it will be for the 
reader to accompany the author on a tramp around town and keep 
his eyes open. This will give him a better knowledge of the cross- 
roads hamlet an hundred years ago; enable him to make a more 
intelligent comparison of old Doylestown with the new, and appre- 
ciate the latter' s growth in the past century. We begin our walk at 
the north end of Main street in, "Germany," and come south. 

Standing by the Clear Spring hotel and looking across the street 
to the east, we notice a small log-clapboard building on the knoll 
almost opposite. This is known as the "Russell house," and is, 
undoubtedly, the oldest dwelling in the borough. The lot was 
bought by Elijah Russell,' in 1800, of David Kirkbride at public sale, 
and was formerly a part of the Chapman farm. The house was 
probably erected the same year of logs, and, in more recent years, 
clapboarded. It has had a number of owners, the present one being 
Ernest Werner, a carpet weaver. We begin our historic walk by 
turning south up Lyman's hill. Passing Kramer's store, at the 
junction of Church street, we reach what was the Musgrave house in 



T At Doylestown, Pa., April 9th, 1826, Sarah, wife of Elijah Russell, aged 
seventy-two years; interment at New Britain. 

34 














^ j J. - i — /^_ii=r: 






4:i-E 



~ ;^ 



,:=jt^4 



i:ifc=5!E 



iStSS^E 






DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 35 

the long ago. It stands on the east side of Main street, and was also 
built of logs, but has been so modernized its identity is gone. The 
Musgraves, father and son, were Canadians, coming here about the 
time of the Russells, and carried on watch-making and wheelwrighting 
on their premises. Continuing down North Main street up Chapman's 
hill, we next reach the Titus-Chapman-Lyman house, recently pur- 
chased by the late Frank Kolbe, who lived in it at his death. It is on 
the northeast corner of Broad and Main streets, and was built by 
Zerick Titus, =■ between 1800 and 1810, and, in a shop, that stood in 
Mrs. O. P. James' front yard, carried on his trade, that of saddler and 
harness maker. The house was bought by Abraham Chapman after 
coming here with the county seat. When Asher Miner built his new 
printing ofhce, on the west side of North Main street, just south, Titus 
occupied a room in it. The north end of the Chapman-Lyman house 
was built by Mr. Chapman, who occupied it until his death, 1865. 
The dwelling, to some extent, was rebuilt, and very much repaired by 
Mr. Lyman, 1873. He was a member of the prominent Connecticut 
family of that name, and settled here on marrying the daughter of 
Mathias Morris, and spent the remainder of his life in Doylestown, 
Mrs. Lyman dying suddenly in 1902. 

The dwelling across Main street, on the east corner of Broad, the 
home of Webster Grim, was built by Septimus Evans, 1810, for a 
public house and kept as the "Green Tree" for almost half a century, 
of which a fuller account will be given in the chapter on taverns. It 
had undergone little change until 1897, although occupied several 
years as a dwelling. The new owner, Mr. Grim, made many altera- 
tions and improvements, and thoroughly modernized it, but the out- 
side walls are the same. It is a subject of regret no one thought of 
taking its likeness while it was in the flesh, as its original appearance 
has been wholly changed. We now turn into Broad street, going 
southeast, every house along it, on the east side, being modern dwell- 
ings, and void of history. On the west side were the open lots on 
which the Court House and jail were built 18 10- 13. At the north- 
east corner of Broad and Court we note the Union Academy, built in 
1804, of which more will be said in another chapter. 

We halt here a few minutes, to take a view of the old Fox house, 
now the pleasant home of George P. Brock. It has undergone some 
change since it came into the possession of the present owner, a few 



2 At Doylestown, Saturday evening, May 20th, 1808, by the Rev. Uriah 
DuBois, Mr. Zerick Titus to Miss Jane Fell, daughter of the late Joseph Fell. 



36 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

colonial touches being added to it. This house has an interesting- 
history, but we have only the space and time to rehearse a small part 
of it. The ground, it stands on, belonged, at one time, to Cudjo and 
Joe, two of the negro slaves of Chief Justice Langhorne, but, about 
the close of the eighteenth century, came into the possession of 
Jonathan and Daniel M'Intosh, emigrants from the Valley of Virginia. 
They sold it to the Rev. Uriah DuBois, who had just moved down 
from Dublin to the village to take charge of the new Academy, and, 
in 1807, he built a dwelling upon it, at a cost of ;^2,ooo, on the Court 
street front and next to the Academy. He lived there until 18 14, 
when he sold the house to William Watts 3 who had come up to 
Doylestown with the new county seat. Mr. DuBois now moved to 
a new house he had built at the southeast corner of East State and 
Broad streets. Judge Watts sold the house to John Fox, 1816, 
another new comer from Newtown, who was married * the same year, 
and spent the remainder of his life there, dying 1849, Judge Fox 
became a prominent figure and was the bosom friend of Samuel D. 
Ingham, Jackson's Secretary of the Treasury, and his confidential 
adviser in the Cabinet trouble. While the author was reading law 
with Judge Fox, he used to see Mr. Ingham's horse hitched to the 
fence opposite the Judge's house he having driven over from his 
beautiful home at "Ingham's Spring," Solebury township, to talk 
county, state and national politics. When taking our historic walk, 
there was not a dwelling from the Brock house all the way out 
Court street. 

Continuing our walk down Broad street to State, we halt oppo- 
site the DuBois homestead, built in 1808, and where the Reverend 
Uriah DuBois died, September loth, 1821. In its day, this dwelling 
was much the best house in the village, large and built of stone. It 
was owned and occupied many years by the late James Gilkyson, fol- 
lowed by his son-in-law, Henry T. Murfit, deceased. At a recent 
public sale the property came into the possession of Judge Yerkes. In 
the front yard a large pine tree is still standing, planted by Mr. Du- 

3 At Doylestown, May 3rd, 1838, in his seventy-ninth year, WilHam 
WaUs, son of Arthur \Yatts of Southampton. He was several years Prothon- 
otary and Clerk of the Quarter Sessions and Associate Judge. He was faithful 
and impartial. He was a member of the Southampton Baptist Church about 
fifty years. He died without children. He was a descendant of the Rev. John 
Watts, the first pastor of the F'ennepack Baptist Church. 

4 On June 6th, 1816, by the Rev. Uriah DuBois, John Fox, Esq., Attorney 
at Law, Doylestown, to Miss Margery Rodman, daughter of Gilbert Rodman. 
Esq., Bensalem. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 37 

Bois, the year he built the house to mark the birth of his son Samuel, 
the artist. We now turn into State street, going west, and the first 
old dwelling we strike, is the west end of the Hall homestead, built 
1800 by Isaac Hall, 5 father of the late Samuel^ and grandfather of 
Charles Hall, shortly after moving over from New Jersey. Until re- 
cently it had never been occupied by any other family. We next stop 
in front of the Nightingale stone house, with pointed front, one door 
east of Pine, south side. It was built 1821, and in it the Doylestown 
National Bank was organized, 1832-33, whence it removed to the new 
bank building on west side of North Main street, now occupied by the 
Doylestown Trust Company, which purchased it of the National Bank 
in recent years. The Nightingale house, too young to join in the pro- 
cession that welcomes the county seat to Doylestown, will have to 
look on at a distance, was owned many years by the late Mrs. Kuhn, 
a daughter of the Reverend Samuel Nightingale. It has been so much 
changed, by the addition of modern mechanical furbeloes, neither 
the architect, nor builder, would be able to recognize it could they 
see it. 

At the intersection of State and Main streets we strike a group 
of interesting buildings, and venerable with age. These were known, 
in the long ago, as "The Three Taverns." The oldest was the 
"Ship," on the site of Lenape Building, first licensed about 1775. 
The second of the group is the present Fountain House, that has 
rounded out a century, and was called the "Fox Chase" seventy 
years ago, while the third, and youngest, was the "Mansion House," 
built about 18 10 by William Magill for a tavern, and licensed and 
kept as such over half a century. A log house is said to have occu- 
pied the site when the Continental army encamped one night at 
Doylestown, 1778. The walls are the same as when kept for a public 
inn, but has been occupied for a bakery and ice cream saloon several 
years. The prospect of the county seat being removed to Doylestown 
hastened the erection of the Mansion House. A couple of hundred 
feet across West State street stood an old stone smith shop, Fisher's 
of recent years, probably the oldest building in town when taken 
down in 1898. As it was near the cross-roads we believe it to have 
been the pioneer blacksmith shop of the neighborhood, and erected 
soon after the two public roads were opened. We now turn down 

5 At Doylestown, May 5, 1833, Isaac Hall, the father of Samuel Hall, aged 
upward of 60 years. 

6 At Doylestown, October 6, 1S96, Samuel Hall, at the age of 85. 



38 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

South Main street and halt a square below, where we find an old stone 
house on the northeast corner of York street, in which John Pugh 
formerly lived, and where his grandson, John P. Rogers, was born. 
It was probably built about 1808, but whether by Josiah Y. Shaw or 
Mr. Pugh is not so clear. It is now part of the Keller property. On 
the opposite corner, across York street, and now the property of Dr. 
Benner, is the house in which Josiah Y. Shaw died and where he 
spent many years of his life. It is a very old house and there is no 
doubt Mr. Shaw built it, but the time is not known. Opposite the 
Pugh house, on the northwest corner of Main street and Oakland 
avenue, is the old Nathan Cornell stone-pointed house were he carried 
on his trade of making hats for many years, and in which himself and 
wife died. 7 He advertised his business as early as November 28th, 
1820. The property belonged to General John S. Bryan a number 
of years, and in it himself, and subsequently Samuel Johnson Paxson 
published the Doylestown Democrat. This house was built by Isaac 
B. Medary, 1814, and he lived in it a number of years. It is still in 
good condition. 

In addition to the houses we have mentioned as being in the flesh 
to welcome the advent of the county seat, there were others built 
prior to 1813. On, or near the Armstrong corner, stood the stone 
dwelling of Dr. Hugh Meredith which he built, about 1789, and died 
in it 1 81 5, also the McCoy dwelling. North Main street, built by Dr. 
Hugh, for his son Dr. Charles Meredith, but the exact year we do 
not know. In it the late Dr. G. R. McCoy spent the greater part of 
his professional life, and there died. Dr. Hugh Meredith also built the 
small stone house that stood on the site of the Mrs. N. C. James' 
dwelling, North Main, and although it did not stand parallel with the 
street, the McCoy house was laid out on the same lines. It is said 
that Dr. Charles Meredith,^ the son, for whom the house was being 
erected, got up in the night and straightened the lines without his 
father's knowledge, saying "I will not have my house spoiled." The 
appearance of the house bespeaks its age. In this category are the 
old Asher Miner stone house on North Main street, opposite the 
Court House, that many of us remember, the Ross stable, and the 

7 At Doylestown, March 27th, 1824, Mrs. Hannah Cornell, wife of Nathan 
Cornell, at the age of thirty-five. At Doylestown, November 7th, 1841, Nathan 
Cornell, at the age of fifty-four. 

8 At Doylestown, July 29th, 1831, Dr. Charles Meredith in his fifty-.seventh 
year: At Piiiladelphia, February 7th, 1832. Mrs. Isabella, relict of the late Dr. 
Charles Meredith, of Doylestown. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 39 

old brewery on West Court street. The "Ross Mansion" was en- 
larged from a smith-shop, 181 1, and that and two other public houses 
were licensed in view of the seat of justice coming here, the "Mansion 
House" and the 'Green Tree." The Harvey house, a nice old semi- 
colonial dwelling at the northwest corner of North Main and West 
Court streets, recently taken down, was erected 18 13, just in time to 
welcome the removal hither of the Courts and Court officers. The 
dressed stone, for the front and corners of the Harvey house, was 
probably the finest bit of masonry in old Doylestown. If we add to 
these Barton Stewart's 9 two log houses on the south side of East Court 
street opposite the monument, occupying the site of the Democrat 
and Intelligencer offices and Elias Carver's dwelling, we have named 
about all the buildings that witnessed the advent of the county seat, 
1813, if not in being, 1810, when the Act of Assembly was passed 
for the change. Of course we except out-buildings. 

Shortly before the late Samuel Hall died we had a conversation 
with him about the oldest buildings in Doylestown, and he not only 
confirmed what we have said of the pioneer houses as to date of 
erection, etc., but named others here at his earliest recollection, say 
1 818- 1820, some of which may have been built prior. Of these were 
the M'Intosh house, now Mrs. Darlington's, at Maple Avenue and 
East State street, built shortly after i8ro, and soon after the family 
came here; the stone house on the south side of East State street in 
which James Wigton then lived, subsequently where George Murray 
kept his famous boys' school, and more recently the property of the 
Barber family; the frame on the site of the Ruckman new stone 
dwelling, south side of East State; the Keichline frame nearly oppo- 
site, the Joshua Beans house north side of same street four doors from 
Main, in which he lived and died, and where Cameron and Mififlin 
published the Democrat 1819-20; the little frame, a few doors west of 
corner of State and Printer's Alley, north side where Thomas J. 
Stewart kept a confectionery seventy-five years ago, a genial man but 
very much under size; the Donnelly house, South Main street the 
home of Judge William Watts three quarters of a century ago; the 
E. T. McDowell house, built of pointed stone masonry now rough 

9 At the house of her son-in-law, Barton Stewart, January loth, 1813, Mrs. 
Rebecca Sandum of Blockley township, Philadelphia county, also: At Hors- 
ham, May 2nd, 1816, by the Rev. Robert Belville, Barton Steward, Doylestown, 
to Miss Margaret Dun, of Horsham, Montgomery county, also: At Doyles- 
town, April 20th, 1828, of consumption, at the age of nineteen, Sylvester M., 
son of Barton Stewart, a student of Medicine with Dr. Miner, of Wilkesbarre. 



40 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

cast, east side of North Main, erected by Dr. Hugh Meredith, who 
died in 1815. When this house was built it faced south, as there 
were no buildings to obstruct the view down to the corner of Main 
and State streets; the small Magill stone house with an A gable to the 
street, a story an a half high, on the west side of South Main, just 
above Green, was built by William Magill, who died in 1824, ^^^ i'^ 
which his son Alfred taught school. It is still owned by one of the 
name, and has been longer in the same famil)^ than any other house 
in town except the Hall dwelling. 

The Ross Mansion was the most interesting, if not the oldest 
dwelling in Doylestown, when it took its place in history. It occu- 
pied the apex of the triangle bounded by Main, Broad and Court 
streets, the lot joining the Court House property on the northeast, 
and was taken down, 1896, to make way for the erection of the new 
banking building. The land was included in Joseph Kirkbride's pur- 
chase from Jeremiah Langhorne, 1729, and passed into the hands of 
Nathaniel Shewell about the end of the century. The dwelling grew 
from a modest beginning. On what was then the northeast corner 
of East Court street and Monument Place, was a small blacksmith 
shop in the Revolutionary period, and for several years after. By 
whom erected there is doubt, but Joseph Fell carried on the trade 
there before the end of the century, but when it was assured Doyles- 
town would become the county seat, Nathaniel Shewell, the then 
owner, enlarged the smithy to a two story attic house extending 
the southwest front to Main street, two rooms on each story. This 
improvement could be plainly distinguished. F^urther additions were 
added before or after the house got license, including a hall, sitting 
and dining-rooms. The kitchen and library were built after the 
property came into the possession of the Ross family. 

When the house was being torn down to make way for the bank 
building, on two of the beam fillings, at the top of the Court street 
wall nenr the southwest corner, scratched in the fresh mortar, were 
the letters "N. S. " and "G. S. , 1811," the former, the initials for 
Nathaniel Shewell, '° the latter the initials of some other member of 
the family, probably his wife. In the middle of the building, where 
the two sections united, there was found a heavy stone wall extending 
up to the comb of the roof and on it was a dressed chimney top. The 



10 In Doylestown township, December 23rd, 1823, Robert Shewell in his 
84th year. 



DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 41 

house was probably extended to its northeast limit, 181 1, for when 
Shewell offered it for sale, 181 2, he described it as "a new stone 
house 50x32, having- three fronts; a stone barn" with convenient 
double shed 95 feet long, and a stone smith shop." A new smith 
shop was probably built across Main street on what is now the Hellyer 
property, where charcoal and other debris of a smithy, were turned up 
fifty years ago in digging a foundation for a new hay scale. 

In 1813, the Ross mansion was licensed as a public inn under the 
name of the "Indian Queen," and Frederick Nicholas or Nicholaus be- 
came the landlord. It was subsequently occupied by several land- 
lords down to 1824, when it was purchased of William Watts; next 
by John Ross, recently appointed President Judge of the District. 
The deed was executed May 24th. This historic building now enter- 
ed upon its third life, that of a dwelling, and as such is relegated to 
history at the end of its earthly career, a century and a quarter 
after the seed were sown in the little smith shop. It was occupied 
by a single family, the Rosses, whose male members were bred to 
the profession of the law, four generations of lawyers being sheltered 
under the roof, a record few dwellings make. 

Some of our readers have a vivid recollection of the lovely woman 
who presided over the Ross Mansion for many years; of the pride she 
took in her intellectual sons, and with what grief she mourned the 
daughter of the house, cut ofif in the pride of womanhood. Many 
pleasant and sad memories are connected with the history of the old 
mansion. 

We are now on the home stretch from our "Historic Walk," 
and, while descending Germany hill, have time to note a few things 
we have missed. As we pass the "Green Tree," we recall to mind 
that Jacob Kiple, who kept it about 1820, hanged himself in the 
stable. The Clear Spring tavern, not in our count, a Springfield Opp 
kept in the teens, nor the tannery adjoining that property. We omit- 
ted the Thompson stone house, demolished some years ago to make 
way for improvements; the old Doyle house, also in the borough, 
these all go to make the general aggregate. If we have duplicated 
any in our count, that does not matter, for history hath its license as 
well as poetry. 

II The building known as the "old Ross barn." It was grey with age 
when taken down. 



ioi)leiJtottin, 01D mh llm. 



VI 
Typhus Fever Panic. 

A panic visited Doylestown in the winter of 1 8 15, by the break- 
ing out of that much dreaded disease, typhus fever, which soon be- 
came epidemic. Several deaths occured, the whole number we do 
not know, nor the name of the first victim. The second death was 
that of John L. Dick,' who was the first person buried in the grave- 
yard of the Presbyterian church, then building. Mr. Dick and three 
sisters, children of a Presbyterian clergyman of Belfast, Ireland, set- 
tled here prior to 18 1 2. Repurchased the tannery in "Germany," 
where he was carrying on business at his death. He was a young 
man of education and refinement, and highly respected. One of his 
sisters was the wife of Dr. Charles Meredith, at whose house he died, 
the dwelling now belonging to the widow of the late Dr. John Rhoads, 
on the east side of North Main street, just below Court. The next 
victim to the fell disease was William W. Hart, the young member of 
the bar of whom we have spoken, the intimate friend of Mr. Dick, and 
was with him when he died. Young Hart, having occasion the next 
day to write a letter to his brother-in-law, the late General John Davis, 
of Davisville, spoke of the death of his friend Dick, in the follow- 
ing pathetic terms : 

"My friend, John L. Dick, died to-day at two o'clock p. m. , of 
typus fever. How frail is man! Ten days ago he was in the vigor of 

I At Doylestown, on Saturday, February i8th, 1815, at the house of his 
brother-in-law. Dr. Charles Meredith, John L. Dick, aged twenty-seven years. 

42 



DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 43 

health. Alas, how visionat-y our hopes of earthly happiness! But 
two months since he married Miss Erwin,^ the daughter of the richest 
man in the county. How soon their fondest anticipations of future 
bliss and domestic felicity were destroyed." As I have already 
stated, Mr. Hart, the writer of the letter I have quoted from, and the 
next victim, was the nephew of William Watts, subsequently Associate 
Judge of our Courts, and boarded with him. He lived in the house 
now owned and occupied by George P. Brock. Young Hart was 
seized almost immediately and died six days after his friend Dick. 

William Watts Hart, son of Josiah and Ann Hart, born January 
2nd, 1790, and, being intended for the bar, was educated accordingly. 
He was a student at the Union Academy. Doylestown, 1806-07, 
completed his academic studies at Philadelphia, read law in the 
office of Enos Morris, Esq., at Newtown, and was admitted to the 
bar, June 3rd, 18 13. He opened an office at Doylestown, to which 
place he came with the removal of the county seat, and began prac- 
tice. He was Deputy Recorder, 18 10, under his cousin. Dr. William 
Hart, Deputy Register and Recorder under John Pugh, 18 13, and 
commissioned Clerk of the Orphans' Court by Governor Snyder 
February 28th, 18 14, dying while holding that office. 

There were five victims, to this fatal fever, in the same house 
within a few days. The next to die after Mr. Hart was his mother, 
Mrs. Ann Hart, of Southampton township, who had come to Doyles- 
town to nurse her son. She was taken sick about the time he died, 
when her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Miles, of Bustleton, Philadelphia 
county, came to nurse the mother. Mother and daughter followed 
the son and brother to the grave in a few days, and they by Eliza 
Jones, a young cousin of thirteen, and a negro boy, belonging to the 
family, five in all stricken down in the same house in less than three 
weeks. They were all taken to the Southampton grave-yard for 
burial, the funeral services being held by the pastor, the Rev. Thomas 
B. Montanye, grandfather of Judge Yerkes, of Doylestown. 

The author has, in his possesion, the letters written by Mr. Watts 
to Mr. Montanye, after the death of each victim, asking him to make 
arrangements for the burial of the dead and provide refreshments for 
the mourners. We never remember to have read more distressing 

2 At Erwinna, Thursday evening December 19th, 1814, by the Rev. Uriah 
DuBois, Mr. John L. Dick of Doylestown, to Miss Julianna Erwin, daughter of 
William Erwin, Esq. 



44 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

letters. The first, written February 24th, announcing the death of 
Mr. Hart, says: 

"You can more easily conceive my situation than I express it, 
when I tell you that William Hart is expired, his mother very ill with 
the same complaint, and the black boy, who was so brisk last evening, 
perhaps much worse — three of us down and the rest worn out. " In 
the second letter Mrs. Watts writes: "The black boy died about 
half an hour after Mrs. Hart;" in the next, "Eliza Jones ^ is gone," 
Mrs. Miles having died meanwhile. On the death of Mr. Hart the 
Rev. Uriah DuBois was appointed his successor as Clerk of Orphans' 
Court, evidence that ministers of the Gospel were not overlooked, at 
that day, when political favors were to be distributed. Of three in- 
cumbents of the office, in the same number of years, two were clergy- 
men. Laymen were more generous then than now in the giving out of 
office. 

We copy from Asher Miner's Correspondent , of that date, the 
death notices as they appeared in that paper at the time and are part 
of the local history of Doylestown, of the period. 

At Doylestown, on Friday evening, February 24, 1815, William 
W. Hart, Esq., Attorney-at-Law and Clerk of the Orphans' Court, 
after an illness of five days, aged twenty-five years. 

"O how pretentious is prosperity! 

How Comet-like it threatens while it shines. 

Few years but yield us proof of Death's ambition. 

To cut his victim from the fairest fold. 

And sheathe his shafts in all the pride of life." 

"At Doylestown, March 2, 1815, Mrs. Ann Hart, of Southamp- 
ton, aged 55 years, relict of Josiah Hart, late of Montgomery county, 
and mother of William W. Hart, whose death was announced last 
week. She was taken ill the night previous to his death, and sur- 
vived him but six days." 

"Vain Man thy fond pursuits forbear, 

Repent, thy end is nigh : 
Death at the farthest can't be far. 

Oh think before you die." 

3 Eliza Jones and her younger sister, Anna L. Jones, were the daughters of 
Colonel Jones, civil engineer, and the first surveyor appointed for Ohio. Anna 
L. married Charles Yardley, brother of Samuel Yardley, many years ago the 
leading merchant of Doylestown. Charles Yardley was clerk to Samuel until 
he went into business for himself at Newtown, 1826, and died in Doylestown, 
1840. Mrs. Anna L. Yardley died at Bethlehem, March 24th, 1897, in her 
ninety-second year. The Misses Jones were related to the family of Judge 
Watts by marriage. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 45 

"The voice of this alarming scene, 

May every heart obey, 
Nor be the Heavenly warning vain, 

Which calls to watch and pray." 
"Great God, Thy Sovereign Grace impart 

With cleansing, healing power; 
This only can prepare the heart. 

For death's surprising hour." 

"At Doylestown, March 7th, 1815, Mrs. Sarah Miles, of More- 
land township, and sister of William W. Hart, Esq." 

"At Doylestown, March 8th, 1815, Eliza Jones, aged thirteen 
years, a relative, and died in the same house." 

The following acrostic appeared in the Correspondent on the 
death of Miss Jones of the same date* 

Every age and every station, 

Live exposed to Death's arrest. 

In a pious resignation. 

Some with easy grace are blessed. 

All her hope was in her Saviour 

Being reconciled to die. 

Even in her last behavior, 

This appeared to standers by. 

Hear, she speaks to those around her, 

Just before her dying breath, 

'O my dear young friends remember, 

Now in youth prepare for death,' 

Eternity of bliss I now have full in view, 

So dear young friends I bid you all adieu." 

While Doylestown has been generally free from contageous 
diseases since 18 15, it had two subsequent frights from Asiatic Cholera, 
1832 and 1849. The former was during its first visit to America, and 
the alarm was universal. Every possible precaution was taken against 
it. In July, an article addressed "To housekeepers, and particularly 
those in Doylestown," appeared in the Bucks County Intelligencer, 
urging them to be prepared for the cholera. The article advised them 
to "get at the foundation of cleanliness, the celler.'' The town re- 
mained healthy despite the scare, without a case, and, in consequence, 
more than the usual number of city people spent the summer here to 
escape the disease. 

The cholera's visit to this vicinity, 1849, centered at the Alms 
House, two miles below town, and was confined there except a few 
cases in the immediate vicinity, and two or three in Doylestown with 



46 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

a death or two. Dr. Ferguson, who lived on East State street, fell a 
victim to it; and also a student of medicine, reading with Dr. Hendrie. 
As both were assisting at the Alms House, they contracted the disease 
there. Over one hundred of the inmates died in a few days, some 
being found dead on the road-side, having wandered away when 
attacked. Among the victims was William Edwards, steward of the 
Alms House. Davis E. Brower, Bridge Point; Nelson MacReynolds 
of the neighborhood and others, whose names we do not recollect, 
distinguished themselves as nurses. 

In a period at which this chapter opened, the second decade of 
the last century, the people were more observant of national days than 
at present. The 4th of July, Washington's birthday and the 8th of 
January, the anniversary of the battle of New Orleans, were not 
allowed to pass unnoticed. All down through the century, to the 
Civil War, much note was paid to these days, but since then there has 
been a great falling of? in their observance. In evidence of this we 
cite three celebrations that took place at Doylestown on the 4th of 
July, 181 5, 1 817 and 1823 respectively. It seems it would be hardly 
possible to organize such demonstrations now on a purely patriotic 
basis. 

In 18 15 the day was marked with great eclat. At 12, noon, a 
procession was formed at the centre of the town in the following order; 

Advance Guard. 

Officer of the Day, Major Watts, assisted by Major Shaw. 

Band of Music from Philadelphia. 

Bucks County Rangers, under command of Major Magill. 

Clergymen, orator of the day and citizens two and two. A 
favorite National Air was struck up by the band and the procession 
moved to the public ground; when in front of the Court House, the 
military opened to the right and left, and the citizens walked into the 
Court room followed by the Rangers. 

The services consisted of a prayer by the Rev. Uriah DuBois; 
the Declaration of Independence was read by Mr, Miner, and Samuel 
D. Ingham delivered the oration. 

From the Court House the procession moved to a table erected 
in a neighboring piece of wood, where a cold collation had been pre- 
pared by Messrs. Enoch Harvey and Mathew Hare. Robert Smith 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 47 

Esq. , was called to preside, assisted by Jonathan Smith, John Fox 
and Samuel Sellers, Esqs. , as vice presidents. 

After dinner toasts were drunk, eighteen in all, one for each 
State, with music. Two Volunteer toasts were drunk: By the 
president, "To General Andrew Jackson and his followers;" by John 
Fox, "To the people of France." About one hundred ladies partook 
of an elegant entertainment in the Grand Jury room. The exercises 
of the day were concluded by music in the Court House, and 
congratulations. 

In 1817 the celebration was repeated at the same place, Josiah Y. 
Shaw presiding; A. H. Griswold read the Declaration, and toasts 
were drunk at the Mansion House. A report of the occasion said — 
the general sentiment appears to be: 

"A day — an hour of virtuous 

Liberty, 

Is worth a whole Eternity of 

Bondage." 

The celebration of the Fourth, in 1823, broke all previous records 
for a "flourish of trumpets" which we condense from Miner's 
Correspondent: 

Mathias Morris was Marshall; Captain Robbart's troops, dis- 
mounted; Captain Magill's artillerists and Captain Roger's Bucks 
County Rangers were the escorts. The literary exercises were held in 
the Court House; Rev. Charles Hyde was Chaplain; Robert Bethel, 
Esq. , read the Declaration of Independence and Eleazar T. Mc 
Dowell delivered the oration of which the report says: "With an 
action, an emphasis and a pathos becoming the subject, and gave 
evidence of a talent for public speaking by no means discredit- 
able to his native county of Bucks." Afterward tlie procession 
marched to a "shady retreat" where preparations had been made and 
where toasts were drunk. 

The same afternoon a comany dined at the Court Inn, Watts' s, 
another at the Fox Chase, Marple's, now Fountain House, and a 
third at the Bucks County Inn, Kohll's. 

A paragraph of the day's proceedings, says: 

"A numerous company of young ladies and gentlemen , under the 
superintendence of Messrs. Charles E. DuBois, Gilbert Rodman and 
Henry Chapman, a committee of arrangement, and under the umbra- 
geous foliage of the towering oaks and the wide spreading sycamores. 



48 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

partook of a collation prepared by Joseph Burrows, our neighbor of 
the Green Tree. Here appeard to be enjoyment without alloy. A 
portion of the youth, the activity and the sprightliness here concen- 
trated. After partaking of the good things of life provided by mine 
host of the Green Tree, and interchange of sentiment and the patriotic 
songs which the occasion called forth, the exercises of the day were 
harmoniously concluded by several cotillions and country dances on 
the green, the musical band having politely attended with their 
instruments. "4 

4 Hamilton Dick of Doylestown, a seaman on board the India ship Asia, 
of Philadelphia, was washed overboard off the Cape of Good Hope, in the fall 
of 1809. He was probably a brother of John L. Dick. 



|)oi)lc0tonin, ODID miii llem. 



VII 
The School and the Church. 

The first Academy built in Bucks county, under an Act of Assem- 
bly passed for that purpose, was erected at Newtown, 1798, at a cost 
of $4,000, and in it the Rev. Alexander Boyd kept a noted classical 
school for several years. This was the ninth Academy in the State, 
and the charter provided that the trustees shall cause ten poor children 
to be taught gratis at one time. The Union Academy at Doyles- 
town, erected, 1804, the second in the county, was partly built by 
subscription and partly by lottery, $6,000 being raised by the latter 
means, the Commissioners being Andrew Dunlap, Christian Clemens, 
John Hough, Thomas Stewart, Hugh Meredith, Nathaniel Shewell 
and Josiah Y. Shaw. The lot on which it was built, at the southeast 
corner of Court and Broad streets, was the gift of John Hough, War- 
wick township, and the deed was executed, September, 1804, to 
Charles Meredith, New Britain. In the conveyance the object of the 
gift was stated to be, "with a view, and to the intent, that a building 
should be erected thereon as a school or seminary of learning," one 
clause reserving a room for religious worship. 

The building was probably begun in 1803, before the deed was 
executed, as it was ready for occupancy by July, 1804, when the Rev. 
Uriah DuBois, pastor of the Presbyterian church at Deep Run, Bed- 
minster township, was invited to take charge of it. He moved down 
sometime that summer, and occupied a dwelling of Mrs. Thomas 
Stewart on the site of that owned by the late Joshua Beans, north 

49 



50 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

side of East State street, bounded by Printer's alley on the east. 
The Academy was of stone 53x35 feet, 30 feet to the square and 36 
to the peak of the roof. On the top was a small belfry with a bell in 
it. The first board of trustees consisted of the same persons as the 
lottery Commissioner, except Andrew Dunlap. The building was 
finished sometime in 1806, from the proceeds of the lottery. In the 
announcement for the opening of the school, the village is spoken of 
as being "delightful and healthy with many natural advantages," and 
it was stated, as an additional inducement, that "the Easton and 
Bethlehem stages run through the town twice a week." The assis- 
tant of Mr. DuBois was Robert Patterson, his brother-in-law, a 
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and subsequently Pro- 
fessor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Virginia, and 
Director of the United States Mint. The school soon became a noted 
one, and pupils were in attendance from the various states and the 
West Indies. The first public examination was held in January 1805. 
On the evening of Tuesday, October 28, 1806, the parents and 
others, who intended continuing their children at the Academy, were 
invited to meet and "consult on a proper and certain plan of furnishing 
the school with wood." It was both a boarding and day school, the 
boarders living in the family of the principal. ' 

Mr. DuBois held frequent religious meetings in the room set 
apart for this purpose and, after being relieved of his Tinicum con- 
gregation, 1808, he preached alternately in the Academy and at Deep 
Run. In this room in the Academy, the first Sabbath school in 
Bucks county was organized, and there Mr. DuBois laid the founda- 
tion of the Doylestown Presbyterian church, of which he was the first 
pastor and officiated until his death. 

Doylestown had been settled almost three quarters of a century, 
before a church of any denomination was organized here, and then the 
Scotch- Irish Presbyterians were the pioneers. The first step toward 
having religious service at Doylestown, was taken at a meeting of the 
Deep Run Congregation, February 2, 1804, when three "referees" 
were chosen to confer with such as may be sent from "Doyal Town" 

I While the Rev. Uriah DuBois was in charge of the Academy, Samuel 
Aaron opened a mathematical school in the building llie first Monday of March, 
182T; and, to encourage liim, Mr. DuBois announced in the Bucks County 
Messenger, edited by Simon Cameron, that Mr. Aaron, "a young man, whose 
mathematical ac(iuirements were formerly respectable, has returned to his 
native county from a celebrated school in which his whole attention has been 
given to mathematics." 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 51 

and "may tend to have the gospel preached to both." At a subse- 
quent meeting, on the 29th, delegates were present from "Doyal 
Town," where a resolution was passed giving the "Doyal Town people 
one-third of Mr. DuBois' time." This movement led to the found- 
ing of a Presbyterian church here, which has grown to be one of the 
strongest in the State. 

When the Rev. Uriah DuBois moved down from Dublin to 
Doylestown, 1804, to take charge of the newly built Academy, it was a 
cross roads hamlet. It may have had one hundred inhabitants, but 
we doubt it. There was no church, or other place of religious worship 
here and never had been, the nearest being the New Britain Baptist 
Church three miles southwest, Neshaminy Presbyterian in Warwick, 
six miles, the Newtown Presbyterian, fourteen, and his own charge at 
Deep Run, six miles. Mr. DuBois was a strong man, a great acces- 
sion to Doylestown; and, during the seventeen years he spent here, 
was an able leader and worthy of followers. He looked after his school 
in the Academy, which grew stronger in number and in usefulness 
through his efforts, and held religious services in the reserved room in 
the building Sunday afternoon and evening. Gradually he gathered 
a congregation about him, and the outcome was the founding of the 
Presbyterian church and the erection of a suitable building in the 
graveyard and nearly on the site of the present one. 

Work was begun on the building, August 1813, and was dedi- 
cated the same month, 18 15. It was built of stone, 45x55 feet, plain 
in appearance and cost $4,282. The lot was bought of John Shaw 
for $409. The subscriptions were principally in small sums, that of 
Dr. Samuel Moore* $200, being the largest, two other gentlemen 
giving $100 each. At the dedication were the Reverends Jacob Jane- 
way, Philadelphia, and Robert B. Bellville, Neshaminy. At this 
time the united membership at Deep Run and Doylestown was but 30 
and had only increased to 48 by 18 18. The first session consisted of 
the pastor, Thomas Stewart, James Fergusons and Andrew Dunlap.^ 

2 At Steubenville, Ohio, May 28, 1825, Mrs. Lydia Beatty, wife of Rev- 
Charles Beatty, and daughter of Dr. Samuel Moore, of Bridge Point, Doy- 
lestown township. 

3 At Doylestown, February 28, 1S17, James Ferguson, aged about sixty 
years. He had lately removed from his farm in Plumstead to be near a church 
and school. He was buried in the Presbyterian Church yard and a discourse 
preached by the Rev. Uriah DuBois. 

4 At Doylestown, January 18, 1S35, Andrew Dunlap, aged seventy-seven, 
a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church. 

The Rev. Robert Dunlap, (son of Andrew Dunlap,) born at Doylestown, 
1803, and a minister of the Pre.sbyterian Church, died at Pittsburg, March 21, 
1847. 



52 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

ruling elders at Deep Run for many years. The graveyard was open- 
ed for interment several months before the building was finished, and 
the first person buried there was John Ledley Dick, who died at Doy- 
lestown, February i8, 1815, of typus fever. The church was not in- 
corporated until 18 16. The congregation met on Saturday, August 
26, 1 8 15 for the purpose of making a selection of seats. The first 
notice of Thanksgiving in Doylestown was that of 18 18, and held in 
the "Presbyterian Meeting House." 

The old church building was twice repaired, at one time much 
changed in appearance, and subsequently a new one erected. It was 
last repaired in 1852, when it was made almost a new building, at a 
cost of $4,339.03, a trifle more than the original building cost. In 
1 87 1 a handsome brown stone edifice was erected almost on the site 
of the old one, more than one-half the cost being defrayed by a 
charitable and liberal woman, about $25,000, including furnishing. 
Of this church we shall have more to say in a subsequent chapter. 
Mr. DuBois' pastorate was closed by his death in 182 1. 5 He was a 
man of broad influence in the church and out of it, and his death was 
a great loss to the community. Since that time, a period of eighty- 
two years, the church has had but five pastors. 

In order to discover what the newspapers of that period had to 
say about the erection of the first church at the county seat, we care- 
fully examined the columns of the Pennsylvania Correspondent, the 
only paper published at Doylestown, or in the county. In the issue 
of August 21, 1815, we find the following and nothing more: 

"At a meeting of the congregation of Doylestown, agreeably to 
public notice, held in the new church, on the 17th instant to elect a 
board of trustees; on motion resolved, by the trustees present, 
forming a quorum, in concurrence with the unaminous consent of the 
meeting that there be public invitation given to all whom it may 
concern, to meet in the Doylestown church on Saturday the 26th inst. 
at two o'clock p. m. for the purpose of making a selection of seats." 

Extract from the minutes. 

Mr. DuBois was succeeded by Charles Hyde, of Connecticut, 
who was called in 1823 and ordained the 19th of November. He 

5 The Rev. Uriah DuBois, who died Monday, .September 10, 1821, in his 
fifty-fourth year, was born in Salem county, N. J. One of the papers said ot 
him: "As a preacher of the gospel, the Presbyterian Church, of Doylestown, 
founded under his pastoral care, will be an approjiriate monument to his mem- 
ory." The Rev, Mr. I-^ngels, Philadelphia, preaclied a funeral discourse in the 
church, September 23rd. 



DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 53 

resigned 1829, and returned to his native state, where he died in 
1 87 1. There was now another vacancy of two years, when the Rev. 
Silas M. Andrews was called, 1831, who enjoyed a long and prosper- 
ous ministry. At the fortieth anniversary, commemorated on a Sun- 
day in November, the audience was large and attentive, the pastor 
preaching a sermon from the words of Moses as recorded in Deuter- 
onomy, chapter XXIX, and 6th verse: "And I have led you forty 
years in the wilderness." The sermon was mainly taken up with a 
review of his pastorate, in which he mentioned the forms of church 
government dominating the world. During the forty years of his 
pastorate. Dr. Andrews had administered the Lord's Supper 240 
times, baptised 179 adults and 350 children, received into communion 
651 persons, married 841 couples, attended 940 funerals, and from 
the pulpit, or in lectures, had preached 6,871 times — a most remark- 
able record of intellectual work for one man. He was a model 
pastor in every respect; possessed great executive ability, and admin- 
istered every department of his great charge with consummate skill. 
Few churches, of any denomination, have been equally blessed. 

The Reverend Silas M. Andrews, D. D. , was born in Rowan 
county. North Carolina, March 11, 1805, and graduated from the 
University of that state; then taught school until 1828, when, having 
selected the ministry for his life occupation, he entered Princeton 
Theological Seminary. He was called to the Doylestown Presbyterian 
church, his first and only charge, November, 1831, prior to his grad- 
uation, and installed the i6th.6 He entered upon his great work in 
May, not waiting to complete his course at the Seminary. His parish 
consisted of the two congregations of Doylestown and Deep Run, for 
which he labored with unwearied faithfulness. Dr. Andrews was 
twice married his first wife being Matilda, a daughter of the Rev. 
Uriah DuBois, his second Miss Harriet Waller, Wilkesbarre. The 
latter survived him, also two children by his first wife, his son 
William, a graduate of Lafayette College, who served three years in 
the Civil War in Durrell's battery. 

After a pastorate of almost half a century. Dr. Andrews died 
suddenly of a brief illness, at Doylestown, March 9, 1881, and was 
buried on the nth in the cemetery at this place of which he was long 
president. The services were held in the Presbyterian church, and 

6 The following is the first marriage notice of Mr. Andrews that appeared 
in the newspapers; February 27, 1S34, by the Rev. Silas M. Andrews, of Doy- 
town, Andrew Kelley to Ruth Grasson, of Philadelphia. 



54 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

every foot of the large audience room was occupied by those who 
loved and respected the deceased while living. The coffin was born 
up the aisle at eleven and deposited in front of the pulpit, carried by 
six church members and followed by the deacons as honorary pall 
bearers. The exercises were opened by the choir singing "Nearer 
My God to Thee;" the Rev. Dr. Cattell, President of Lafayette 
College, made the opening prayer, and read a portion of scripture; 
Dr Murphy, Frankford, a life long friend of the deceased, preached 
the funeral sermon; and Dr. Knox, Bristol, delivered the closing 
prayer. There were seventeen clero-ymen present, and the occasion 
was one of great solemnity and interest. Many of the vast congre- 
gation were moved to tears. 7 

Dr. Andrews was very formal, and not a little diplomatic in send- 
ing marriage notices to the local press. He had a printed form and 
to fill up the blank and send it to the papers was almost the first thing 
he did after the newly married couple had left the parsonage. Occa- 
sionally there was a mite of history connected with this clerical duty. 
When he had married his 1199th couple, he announced he would 
marry the 1200th couple gratis. Several weeks elapsed without an 
applicant to have the matrimonial knot tied, until one day two couple 
came together and both were married "without money and without 
price." This was a little rough on the Doctor but there was no room 
left for him to discriminate. 

Upon the death of Dr. Andrews, the church called the Rev. 
William A. Patton the following April, 18S1, who took formal charge 
sometime in the summer. He was pastor almost nine years, resigning 
March i, 1890, to accept a call from a church at Wayne, Pa. Mr. 
Patton was succeeded by the Rev. W. Hayes Moore, the following 
September, who resigned after a pastorate of seven years on account 
of ill health, November i, 1899, to accept a call at Santa Fe, New 
Mexico. The present pastor of the Doylestown Presbyterian church, 
the Rev. Robert M. Labaree was born in Persia, and is the son of an 
American missionary. 

There are two important factors in this church for the work in 
hand, the Female Bible Society, auxiliary to the County Society and 
the Female Library, both organized 1816. The Bucks County Bible 

7 The following is a copy of the last marriage notice of Dr. Andrews pub- 
lished in our local papers just ]:»rior to his death: At his residence 81 East 
Court street, Doylestown, Februarj' 26, 1881, by Rev. Silas M. Andrews, No. 
1242, John A. Myers and Mrs. Mary L. Myers, both of Phinistead, Bucks county, 
Pennsylvania. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 55 

Society was organized in this church, 1815, its fourth anniversary 
meeting- being held there, 18 19; among the members were the Revs. 
Robert B. Belville, Thomas B. Montanye, Uriah DuBois, Jacob Lar- 
zelere, Joseph Mathias and Silas Hough, with the following laymen : 
Samuel D. Ingham, Samuel Moore, Enos Morris, John Pugh, 
Nathaniel Shewell, William Watts, John Hart, William Purdy, 
Robert Beatty and William Long, all prominent men long since de- 
ceased. In these years 640 copies of the Bible, 30 of them in Ger- 
man, had been distributed and $545 received into the treasury. At 
the eleventh annual meeting, held in the church, October 3, 1826, 
the Rev. Jacob Larzelere, Southampton, preached the sermon, the 
Rev. Joseph Mathias, Hilltown, elected president, William Watts, 
treasurer and E. Smith, secretary. In the intervening years the tem- 
poral and spiritual affairs of the church prospered, and the con- 
gregation grown to be one of the largest of this denomination in 
the state. 

The earliest debating society, at the new county capital, de- 
veloped by our investigation, was the "Union Debating Club" that 
was in full blast in 18 19. How much earlier these young Patrick 
Henry's were spouting here there is no way of telling. On the eve- 
ning of June 26, same year, the question for discussion was: "Has 
Nature or Education had the greatest share in forming the human 
character?" The place of meeting was probablv in the Academy, and 
doubtless the students were instrumental in organizing the Society. 

In the summer of 1823, the widow of Captain John Rily who 
had been buried in the Presbyterian grave-yard, presented the church 
two handsome brass chandeliers for the pulpit, two brass candlesticks 
for the clerk's desk attached to mahogany stands, several tin sconces 
for candles, and a handsome pair of snuffers and tray.^ In a previous 
issue of the Pennsylvania Correspondent, Asher Miner's paper, I find 
the following reference to the burial of Captain Rily: 

" March 31, 1822, the body of Captain John Rily, a practical 
navigator of Philadelphia, was deposited in the grave-yard of the Pres- 
byterian church Doylestown, on Saturday last, in compliance w'ith his 
own request expressed shortly before his decease. Captain Rily's 
age was about sixty years. He left a widow but no children. His 
funeral was attended from the dwelling of Josiah Y. Shaw, Esq., and 
our fellow citizens offered suitable testimonials of respect to the mem- 

8 What has become of these relics of the first church building? 



56 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 



ory of a deceased stranger. The Rev. Mr. Potts, Philadelphia, made 
some very appropriate observations at the grave, calling the attention 
of the living to the necessity of preparing for death. ' ' 




ASHER MINKR. 



|)oi)le0toiim, ®lb anl> l\m. 



VIII 
Pioneer Newspapers. 

In previous chapters, covering the present period, we took note 
of the founding of an Academy, the removal hither of the seat of 
justice and the organization and erection of the pioneer church. 
These were important factors of improvement and progress that came 
in with the nineteenth century, but there is another agency equally 
vital to the spread of human intelligence, and calculated to make 
men better, wiser and happier. This is the newspaper press, which 
will receive proper notice in this chapter. The pioneer newspapers 
at the cross-roads hamlet, now Doylestown, were the Farmers' Weekly 
Ga:(eife, established 1800, and the Pennsylvania Correspondent, 1804, 
both in evidence that the young village was forging ahead. The first 
of these journalistic ventures was by Isaac Ralston,' who issued the 
first number of his paper from the "Centre House," July 25, 1800. 
It was printed on a medium sheet, and, at its head, floated the hack- 
neyed motto. "Open to all parties but influenced by none. "^ The 
subscription price was two dollars, with twenty-five cents additional 
when delivered by private post. How long this paper was published 
no one knows, for it left no record behind. We have seen a few num- 
bers, the latest No. 27 of volume one, bearing the date of January 29, 
1801. The first issue, coming under our notice, September 5, 

I A careful examination of the records in the Register's office failed to reveal 
the name of Ralston, and Isaac Ralston was doubtless a stranger to the county. 

2 In Mr. Ralston's salutatory he assures the pubHc that "nothing of a per- 
sonal nature, nor in the least, tends to corrupt a single moral obligation, shall 
ever be allowed in the paper." 

57 



58 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

1800, had an entire page taken up with the proceedings of the Irish 
Parliament. Soon after the Gazette appeared, Mr. Ralston issued 
proposals for publishing a monthly of fifty pages, at twenty-five cents, 
but it never made its appearance. Who this pioneer journalist of 
Rucks county was, we have never been able to find out, whence he 
came nor whither he went. He passed completely out of sight, as 
much so as if the earth had opened and swallowed him. His advent 
was comet-like, quick to appear and quick to disappear. 3 

The next venture on this line was by Asher Miner, 4 a Wilkes- 
barre yankee, who came to Doylestown in May, 1804, and established 
the Pefwsylvania Correspondent and Farmers' Advertiser. The first 
issue made its appearance on July 7, from a back room in Barton 
Stewart's log house, on the site of the present Intelligencer o^ce at the 
corner of Court street and Printer's Alley, and Miner lived in a small 
stone house on North Main street near the site of Mrs. N. C. James' 
dwelling. The subscription was two dollars. He said in his address 
to the public: "The editor is by birth an American, in principle a 
Federal Republican. His private sentiment, with regard to the ad- 
ministration of the Government of the country, he will mantain and 
avow as becomes a freeman. In his public character, as becomes the 
conductor of the only newspsper printed in the county, he will act 
with that impartiality which prudence and justice require. 5 It is re- 
lated of Miner, that one of the first men he called upon to ask assist- 
ance of, in pushing his paper, was the Rev. Nathaniel Irwin, a Demo- 
crat and a power in the county. The good parson declined on the 
ground he did not like Mr. M's politics. The latter said he would pub- 
lish "an independent newspaper," to which Mr. Irwin replied: "Yes, 
you say so, but you look toward Buckingham," the strongest Federal 
township in the county. 

The appearance of the Correspondent created something of a sen- 
sation, and the first issue was largely given away. The first number 

3 After the lapse of a century it would be interesting to know something 
about the father of the newspaper press of the county. 

4 Asher Miner was born at Norwich, Connecticut, in March, 1777, learned 
the trade in tlie oftice of the Gazette and Coininercial hitclligencer, at New 
London and settled at Wilkesbarre, Pa., 1799. Here he published the Luzerne 
County Federalist with his brother Charles until May, 1804. In 1800 he married 
Polly Wright, of Wilkesbarre, whose mother was a daughter of Josiah Dyer, of 
Dyerstown two miles above Doylestown. 

5 At Doylestown, January 15, 1822, Seth Miner, aged seventy-seven years, 
father of the editors of the Correspo7ident and the Village Record. He was a 
soldier of the Revolution. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 59 

contained but a single advertisement, but patronage gradually grew, 
and, after the removal of the county seat to Doylestown, the improve- 
ment, in both advertising and subscription, was more perceptible. 
The enterprise proved a success; there was an increase in Mr. Miner's 
worldly goods, and his young family grew from two to twelve.^ In 
1806 the paper was enlarged to a royal sheet. Miner established the 
Star of Freedom, at Newtown, 1817, but it did not survive a year. 
The late General William T. Rogers learned the trade in the Corres- 
pondent office. 

After an active editorial career of twenty years, Miner sold the 
Correspondent to Edmund Morris and Samuel R. Kramer of Phila- 
delphia, September 24, 1824, and removed to West Chester where he 
formed a partnership with his brother in the publication of the Village 
Record. They sold out the Record, 1834, and returned to Wilkes- 
barre, where Asher Miner died, 1841. 

Of the new proprietors of the Correspondent, Edmund Morris 
was born at Burlington, N. J., 1804, and learned the trade in the olihce 
of the Freemen s Journal. He had a fondness for literary pursuits, and 
after leaving Doylestown, was connected several years with the Phila- 
delphia press. He returned to Burlington and divided his time be- 
tween rural pursuits and literature, and dying there. Kramer was a 
native of Philadelphia, where he learned his trade in a book office, 
and also died there. He was fond of reading and a close observer of 
men and things. 

The office, at the time Asher Miner sold his newspaper, is thus 
spoken of by one who knew it, a strong contrast with printing offices 
of the present day : 

"It was a small two story building with the second story large 
enough to hold an old Ramage press, with a stone bed on which the 
paper was worked by using the old fashioned ball, the stands and 
cases containing job and newspaper type. The type was old and 
worn. The outside form consumed so nearly all the letter, the in- 
side could not be set up until the outside was distributed. The 
lower story was supplied with huge bins, into which the subscribers 
emptied their subscription in the shape of corn, flour, oats or what- 
ever article the subscriber should bring. All was received as cash. "7 



6 At Doylestown, April 27, 1821, very suddenly. Miss Anna Miner, sister 
of the editor of the Co7-respondetit, in the forty-ninth year of her age. 

7 At Doylestown, Sunday evening, April 19, 1819, by the Rev. Uriah 
DuBois, Dr. Abraham Stout, of Northampton county, to Miss Anna Maria 
Miner, daughter of Asher Miner, editor of the Correspondent, Doylestown. 



6o DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

The new proprietors of the Correspondent , changed the name of 
the paper to the Bucks County Patriot and Farmers' Advertiser, the 
first issue appearing October 4, 1824. They were not long in 
business together, dissolving by mutual consent in February, 1827. 
Mr. Morris conducted the paper alone until October i, same year, 
when another change took place, by the sale of the paper to Elisha 
B. Jackson, a native of Columbia county, Pa., and James Kelly, ^ an 
Englishman by birth, both graduates of the Village Record ofifice. 
They changed the name of the paper to Bucks County Intelligencer 
and General Advertiser , which made its first appearance in a new suit 
of type. Kelly was an active, pushing man and the paper prospered 
under his management. He was a bitter partizan, and being of English 
birth had a tendency to aggrivate the friction between him and the 
Democrat. In March 1835, Kelly took William M. Large, 9 a grad- 
uate of the office, into partnership with him. The paper was now en- 
larged to a double medium sheet. This co-partnership was dissolved, 
January 3, 1837, by its own limitation, when Kelly assumed control. 
He conducted the paper until March 14, 1838, when he sold the 
plant to his late partner, Large, who became sole proprietor, with 
Hugh M. Henry, '° a young member of the bar as editor. This 
arrangement continued until March 17, 1841, when the paper was 
sold to Samuel Fretz, " a graduate of the office. At this time the 
paper was published in a brick building on Main street nearly oppo- 
site the Doylestown Trust Company. 

The next change of ownership was a fortunate one for both the 
purchaser and the paper, passing into the hands of John S. Brown, 
March 8, 1843. Mr. Brown, born in Plumstead township, 1815, 

8 Kelly was married, at West Chester, November 20, 1827, to Mary 
Hodgson, of the same place. He had one sister Jane, and there may have 
been others, who married Samuel Harbison, and died F'ebruary 26, 1836. 
Mr. Kelly reached some prominence. In April 1838, he was appointed Clerk 
of the Court of Quarter Sessions to succeed John Duiit^an, holding the office a 
few months; was defeated for the State Senate 1826, and died at Doylestown, 
May 4, 1839. His only son, James Miner Kelly, died here August 13, 1834. 

9 William M. Large was the son of a Buckingham fanner and learned the 
trade in the InfeUi^encer office. After he sold out he began farming at which he 
spent the remainder of his life, on his handsome i:)lace near Doylestown, where 
he died. 

10 Hugh M. Henry was a young man of ability, and died at Doylestown at 
the early age of twenty-nine. The Court adjourned, and, with the bar, 
attendee! the funeral in a body. 

11 Fretz was born in Plumstead township. In 1840 he and Oliver G. Search 
established the Literary Chrotdclc at Hatboro, but P'retz left it when he bought 
the Intelligencer. He died in Spawlding county, Ohio, December 25, 1884, 
at the age of sixty-six. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 6i 

was a descendant of Thomas Brown, an immigrant from Barking, 
County Essex, England, 1 700-1 701, and settled near Dyerstown, 
about 1 71 2. Learning his trade in the Intelligencer office, Brown 
bought the Hunderton County, (N. J.) Gazette, which he published 
some time. On selling the Intelligencer, 1855, he entered the Guaran- 
tee Trust and Safe Deposit Company, Philadelphia, of which he was 
an incorporator and was an ofhcial several years, living in the city. 
He subsequently removed to Swarthmore, where he died, October 
I, 1898, in his eighty-third year. 

While John S. Brown owned the Intelligencer it was much im- 
proved, and there was soon a friendly rivalry between it and the 
Democrat. About this time local items began to make their appear- 
ance in country newspapers, and the Intelligencer was one of the first 
to take this advanced step. It is still an unsettled question which of 
the two papers, the Democrat or Intelligencer, first opened its columns 
to this species of local intelligence. Brown did much for the paper, 
and, when he stepped down and out from the editorial chair, left it 
better than he found it. In 1848, he removed the Intelligencer to 
the new frame oiitice he built, at the corner of Court street and 
Printer's Alley. 

Mr. Brown sold the Intelligencer to Enos Prizer and Henry T. 
Darlington, in the early spring of 1855, their first issue bearing date 
March 6. They were from Chester county; both learned their 
trade in the Village Record office, and while apprentices, had for 
office mates Bayard Taylor, Judge William Butler and Ex- Chief 
Justice Edward M. Paxson of the State Supreme Court. The new 
editors and proprietors were well equipped for their work ; they had 
been trained for the business and were successful journalists. Mr. 
Prizer was of German descent on both sides, and Darlington of 
Quaker ancestry, a nephew of the distinguished Dr. William Darling- 
ton. The co-partnership lasted until the death of Mr. Prizer, 1864, 
when Mr. Darlington purchased the plant and real estate. In 1876, 
Darlington took Alfred Paschall, Chester county, into business with 
him as junior partner, and, a year later, S. Edward Paschall, his 
brother, was taken into the firm. The paper was now published under 
the firm name of H. T. Darlington and Co. until Mr. Darlington's 
death, November 24, 1878. He was seized with apoplexy the day 
before in front of the Court House and lived but twenty-four hours. 
He was buried on the 26th, in the Doylestown cemetery followed to 
the grave by a large number of relatives and friends. 

Mr. Darlington was an excellent man, a good citizen and public 



62 DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 

spirited. He was the friend of all local improvements; one of the 
most active in the erection of the Doylestown Seminary, the introduc- 
tion of water into the borough and the erection of Lenape building. 
He was also active in urging the building of a new Court House and 
jail, but did not live to see the latter built. Previous to his death, 
arrangements had been made to issue a daily paper, but the project 
was abandoned ; the semi-weekly discontinued July i, 1879, and the 
weekly resumed. Subsequently, 1884, a daily was issued, the first 
in the county, and continued to the present time. Since then there 
have been two changes in the firm names, Alfred Paschall and Co. 
and the Intelligencer Company, under a charter in recent years, with 
Mr. Paschall as editor. In 1876 the Intelligencer built a new brick 
ofifice on the site of the old frame. In 1902 another change was 
made, by which Arthur K. Thomas, a graduate of the Democrat 
office, who had previously become a member of the firm and business 
manager, purchased a controlling interest of the stock, and Mr. 
Paschall retired. 

A sketch of our newspapers would be incomplete without proper 
notice of two of their most conspicuous graduates, the late Hiram 
Lukens who was dean of the Bucks county press for many years, to 
his death and Rowan Foulke, both dying, 1897. ^^^'- I-ukens had 
probably worked longer at the case than any other printer in the 
state, entering the office of the Bucks County Intelligencer under 
James Kelly, June 21, 1832, the day the Spaniard Mina was hanged 
for the murder of Dr. William Chapman, of Bensalem. There he 
spent his life, dying November 19, 1897, in his seventy-sixth year, 
lacking but two days of having worked in the same office for sixty- 
five years and five months, being foreman about forty years. He was 
born in Montgomery county, Pa., of Quaker parents, December 16, 
1 82 1. Mr. Lukens possessed an agreeable personality, was a pleasant 
companion, attached to his friends, devoted to Masonry, and respect- 
ed by all who knew him. He was buried in Doylestown cemetery, 
November 23, the funeral being largely attended. 

Mr. Foulke was a few years the junior of Mr. Lukens. He was 
born at, or near, Doylestown, of Quaker parents, 1827, and served his 
apprenticeship in the Intelligencer office. He went to Philadelphia 
about 1850, worked in the larger book printing offices, and was a 
compositor on the Ledger for several years, in which his son, Albert 
R. was employed. During the Civil War Mr. Foulke entered the 
military service as a private soldier, and was subsequently commis- 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 63 

sioned First Lieutenant in Colonel Peter EUmaker's 119th Pennsyl- 
vania regiment. He also worked on the Press for a time and was 
foreman on the Daily Chronicle, Washington City, for several years, 
Colonel Forney's paper, and died in his seventieth year. 

Down to 1 8 16, the Democratic party had no organ in the county, 
Asher Miner having the field to himself. The Correspondent claimed 
to be independent, and Miner flattered himself he could satisfy both 
parties, but as this double-headed arrangement pleased neither, the 
Democrats established a paper of their own. The Doylestown 
Democrat appeared September iS, 18 16, issued by Lewis Deffe- 
bach ^^ and Co. The original size is not known, but the 46th number, 
July 29, 1817, was 19x2354 inches. The Democrat had a varied 
experience in early life. It was issued from a brick building on the 
east side of North Main street, nearly opposite the Fountain House, 
but before the year was out the word "Co." was dropped and Mr. 
Defltebach became sole proprietor. Following the custom of other 
papers, he announced, in the 42d issue, that he "will receive wheat, 
rye, oats, hay and all kinds of country produce in payement of debts." 

Owing to a division in the Democratic party, an opposition paper 
was issued, July 28, 1819, called the Bucks County Messenger, or the 
"Yellow Fever" paper from the color of the paper it was printed on. 
Simeon Siegfried, the proprietor, was born in New Britain, 1797, and 
learned the printing trade with Asher Miner. From Doylestown he 
went to Bridgeton, N. J., where he established Xh^ Advertiser; then to 
Ohio, where he became a minister of the Gospel. He issued the first 
number of the Ohio Luminary, at Cadiz. He married Mary Johnson, 
of Newtown, 18 17. An effort was made to issue a German paper 
from the Messenger office in August, 1821, but was a failure. As two 
Democratic newspapers could not be supported at the county seat, 
they were consolidated in January, 1822, under the name of Bucks 
County Democrat, and Simon Cameron and Benjamin Mifflin placed 
in charge. Mr. Cameron subsequently became one of the most prom- 
inent men in the country, was Secretary of War under Mr. Lincoln 
and Minister to Russia. Mifflin was born in Philadelphia, whence he 
came to Doylestown, and whither he returned, and died there. He 
was subsequently connected with the publication of the Pennsylvanian. 
The consolidation of the two papers harmonized the Democratic 



12 From Doylestown Deffebach went to Philadelphia, where he published 
T/ie Peoples' Guardian in 1821. Governor Snyder appointed him Armorer for 
the state, keeper of the Schuylkill Arsenal and Deputy U. S. Marshall, 1817. 



64 DOYI.ESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

party, and, the following December, it was bought by William T. 
Rogers. '3 At this time the paper was issued from a small frame on 
the east side of North Main street and Court, later the Shearer build- 
ing, and site of the present Ziegler building. Rogers changed the 
name of the paper to the Democrat and Farmers' Gazette. 

In 1829, the Democrat changed hands, Rogers selling it to 
Manassah H. Snyder."* Snyder was proprietor but two years, when 
it again changed hands, this time being sold to William H. Powell in 
in I S3 1, who married a daughter of Enoch Harvey of Doylestown, 
and published the paper until 1834, when he sold it to John S. Bryan, 
son ot William Bryan, Springfield township, who was born 1758, and 
was an early settler there. Powell returned to Norristown and died 
there. The Correspondent and Democrat were the only two papers 
established in the pioneer period, which came to stay, and none 
others are in existance that were not started in more recent years. 
Meanwhile, new papers appeared, and disappeared after a brief life. 
John S. Bryan, '5 who succeeded William H. Powell, learned his trade 
in the office. During this period there was no marked change in the 
paper, except in the increase of business, both in subscription and 
advertising and job work, and the paper maintained its good repute in 
the state. During Bryan's ownership the Democrat, after having 
occupied several homes, got back to the old frame it is said to have 
started in, on the east side of North Main street, opposite the 
Fountain House, where the plant was burnt out in the winter of 1836. 
It was shortly after issued frrom the stone house on the northwest 
corner of South Main street and Oakland avenue, where it was pub- 
lished for thirteen years. 

In May 1845, General I^ryan sold the Democrat to Samuel John- 
son Paxson, son of the late Thomas Paxson, Buckingham township, 



13 William T. Rogers, son of William C. Rogers, was born in Philadelphia 
and brought up in Warrington township, Bucks county. He learned the trade 
in Miner's office and was prominent in politics and the Vohinteer MiUtia; 
served eight years in the State Senate, was collector of tolls on the Delaware 
Canal at Bristol, 15rigade Inspector, Major-General of Militia and died 1869. 

14 Snyder was horn in Lehigh county, and learned the trade in the office 
of the Adlcr at Reading. During the Civil War, he served in the Signal Corps 
of the UnicMi Army, and when peace was declared, returned to his trade. He 
married a daughter of I-^lnathan Pettitt, Doylestown, sixty-five years ago pro- 
prietor of tile Fountain House. 

15 General Bryan became a prominent and popular man, and filled 
numerous public stations; Prothonotary of the county, Associate Judge, Clerk 
to the U. S. Senate Committee on Printing, Brigadier (ieneral of Militia and 
Democratic candidate for State Senate, but defeated at the polls. 




JOHN S. BRYAN. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 65 

and was born and died three. After receiving a good English educa- 
tion, he and his brother, Edward M. Paxson, bought the Literary 
Chronicle, of Newtown, changing the name to Newtown Journal, 
which they pubhshed for some time. During the Civil War, and 
politics ran high, Mr. Paxson, who lived on the New Hope turnpike 
between Doylestown and Centreville, nailed a board on his gate at 
the road with the inscription: "A friend of the Constitution and the 
Union lives here." When Mr. Buchanan was elected to the Pres- 
idency, 1856, Mr. Paxson announced the fact in the Democrat in this 
wise: "A bachelor in the White House and all the old maids tickeled 
to death." It was republished in the London Times. 

The first issue of the Democrat, under Mr. Paxson's management, 
which appeared on Mav 14th, was awaited with no little interest. 
Having had some previous experience in country journalism, and 
being a man of great energy of character, he put new vim into the 
business. He was an innovator on old customs in every department. 
He allotted space for local news in each issue of the paper, and 
clainied to have been the originator of what is known as the "Local 
Item" column, but this claim was disputed by the Intelligencer. 
Howr\er this m;iy have been, the local column shortly became a pop- 
ular feature of every county newspaper. Mr. Paxson was not only 
aggressive, from a business standpoint, but full of humor, and drew 
upon this bank at frequent intervals. Under his management of the 
Democrat, the circulation of the paper and advertising both increased. 
He introduced the first H<^e printing press into the county, and 
printed the first newspaper by steam. In 1848, he erected the brick 
building, now Thompson's restaurant, south side of East Court street, 
and moved the printing machinery and material into it. Subsequently, 
Paxson erected ihe adjoining building on the east, into which he 
moved, 1852, and where the Democrat is still published. 

In May, 1858, Paxson sold the Democrat plant to W. W. H. 
Davis, who had recently returned from a four years residence in New 
Mexico. While there, he had control of the Santa Fe Gaiette, which 
he published in Spanish and English, and, becoming fond of journal- 
ism, made up his mind to obtain possession of the Democrat on his 
return. He was editor and proprietor for thirty-two years, and 
editor alone, forty-two years. He bought the real estate, 1863. 
Diirin<^ this period country journalism was more prosperous than at 
any time before or since; real estate was high, advertisements and job 
work in plenty and prices good. Mr. Davis assumed control of the 



66 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Democrat shortly after the purchase, and his first issue was May 25th. 
His salutatory was looked for with some interest, because of the split 
in the Democratic party on the Kansas-Nebraska question. As the 
views of the new editor did not coincide with those of the National 
administration, an opposition paper was established, of which more in 
another place. There was strong rivalry between the Democrat and 
Intelligencer, from a business and political standpoint, but this did not 
interrupt the harmony that prevailed between the editors and pro- 
prietors. While the editor of the Democrat was absent three years 
and a half in the army during the Civil War, the paper was in charge 
of Dr. John D. Mendenhall, a native of Chester county, but had 
resided several years at Bristol, in Bucks county in the practice of his 
profession, that of a dentist. 

In the spring of 1890, Mr. Davis sold the Democrat plant, and 
everything thereunto belonging, except the real estate, to a syndicate, 
which subsequently became an incorporated company under the name 
of "The Doylestown Publishing Company," the late owner remain- 
ing as editor. News and job presses, and divers other machinery, 
were purchased, and the Democrat started on its new career as well, 
if not better, equipped than a majority of country newspapers, in the 
state. During a period of sixty-seven years, 1834-1901, the Dem- 
ocrat had but four proprietors and three editors, and, in this regard, 
broke the record in the county. In August 1890, a daily was issued 
and has completed its thirteenth year. The weekly is continued. In 
June, 1901, ihe Democrat plant was leased to J. C. Dimm, of Juniata 
county. 

The Bucks County Express, established 1827, by Manassah H. 
Snyder, the first German newspaper printed in Bucks county, sur- 
vives under tlie name of Express and Reform. The Express had 
several owners; belonging to the Democrat for fifteen years, and was 
subsequently owned by O. P. Zink,'^ Edwin Fretz,'^ Charles Price 
and Adam Daubert. In 1866, the paper was purchased by Dr. Mor- 



16 O. P. Zink was born in Germany, and coming here when young, learned 
the printing- trade in the Adler office, Reading. He served through the Civil 
War in the 6tli Pa. Cavalry (Rush's Laners) and died at the Soldiers' Home, 
Dayton, Ohio, May 7, 1883. 

17 Fret/- and Price were both born in Bucks county and learned their trade 
in the Democrat office, of which the former was foreman. He was a Lieu- 
tenant in the 104th Pa. Regiment in the Civil War; worked at his trade several 
years in Phiiadeldhia, where he died October 2, 1901, and was buried in the 
Poylestown cemetery. 



DOVLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 67 

witz,'^ Philadelphia, and is now owned and published by his son. He 
also owns the Bucks County Mirror, established at Quakertown, 1870, 
and subsequently removed to Doylestown. In 1835, Joseph Young '^ 
issued the second German paper published in Doylestown, Der Mor- 
genstern, which had but four owners down to 1890, when it was dis- 
continued. Joseph Young, Moritz Loeb,^° Naiman and Daubert. 

Other newspapers appeared in Doylestown, from time to time, of 
longer or shorter life, some hardly surviving their baptism. Taking 
them in the order of their birth, we have first the Political Examiner, 
by Francis B. Shaw, 1827, which met its death, 1832, after boxing 
the political compass and three changes of editors; ihe Jackson Cour- 
ier, 1835, by the late Thomas Ross, and in charge of Franklin Mills; 
the Public Advocate, by Franklin Sellers, 1837-8; and the Independent 
Democrat, the last on the roll of old newspapers; started by M. H, 
Snyder, 1847, sold to C. N. Bryan, 1848, purchased by a syndicate, 
1852, who placed it in the hands of William P. Seymour, and its 
death followed. He changed the name to the IVatchtower, and re- 
mained here until 1856-7. He was now lost to view until the out- 
break of the Civil war, when he turned up at Washington, as Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the 99th, Pa. Regiment, from which he shortly resigned 
and left the service. He went west and died in Indiana, 1886, where, 
we understand, he cut a respectable figure. His widow, in more re- 
cent years, was a matron at the "Old Woman's Home," Erie, Pa., 
but as we have not heard from her for some time, presume she is dead. 

There were two papers, published at Doylestown in the past, 
bearing the name of "Olive Branch," the first by Asher Miner in con- 
nection with the Correspondent, the first issue bearing the date of 
July — , 1 82 1. It occupied the fourth page and was filled with semi- 
literary matter, with the motto. 

"Variety's the spice of life 
That gives it all its flavor." 

How long it lasted we do not know. Franklin P. Sellers, who 
established the second Olive Branch, twenty years later, learned his 

t8 a German by birth; established the German Democrat, and owned it 
to his death. 

19 Joseph Young was l^orn in Lehigh county, and was not twenty when he 
established the second German paper at Doylestown, Der Morgenstern under 
the name of Der Bauer. He married Amanda Lay, of Nockamixon, May 13, 
1847, and has been dead many years. 

20 Moritz Loeb, a German by birth, came here when young; learned his 
trade in the AForgensterti office and then bought the paper. He was a 
scholarly man. 



68 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

trade in Asher Miner's office, and, alter tliat, worked on the Democrat . 
Sellers issued the first number of his Olive Branch, June 2, 1842, and, 
the first of the next March, Sellers removed the paper and the Bucks 
County Temperance Herald, published in connection with it, to a frame 
on the west side of North Main street, back of the Court House, the 
same building in which Joseph Young's Morgenstern was published. 
The paper had been previously issued from one of the frame houses 
on the south side of East State street about opposite the Murfit 
building.^' On February 22, 1844, Sellers was married to Mrs. 
Rachel G. Mathews, daughter of Samuel Godshalk, of Doylestown 
township; the paper removed to Norristown, 1850, the name changed 
to the Independent and was sold out by the Sheriff, 1874. 

The last of July, 1842, Joseph Young and Company, of Doyles- 
town, issued a prospectus for publishing a new German paper to be 
called the "Bucks County Farmer," the first number appearing 
August 26th. Its fate we do not know, but doubtless it died in in- 
fancy. The first of June, 1842, a prospectus was issued for the pub- 
lication of the Bucks County Whig at Doylestown, by Adam D. Luz 
and "William Keesey, but the paper never made its appearance. In 
June, 1839, Franklin S. Mills, formerly a compositor on one of the 
Doylestown newspapers, formed a partnership with Joseph Justice to 
publish the Trenton Emporium, which proved a success. This was the 
same Mills who bought out the Jackson Courier for Thomas Ross. 

In 1852, a small paper, called The Spy, was started, being set up 
in the offices of the Democrat and Intelligencer, and printed on one of 
the presses sub rosa. It was the brightest sheet ever issued in the 
county and lasted about three years. Ryner T. Donat, a compositor 
on the Intelligencer, was the ostensible editor, but John Harton, fore- 
man in the Democrat office furnished both the wit and the brains for 
this sparkling, little journal. We had understood a bound volume of 
this paper was in the possession of Frank Harton, son of the late 
John Harton, but have recently been told, by a member of the family, 
this is an error, which we learned with regret. It was a little jewel in 
the newspaper line. 

In 1859 the friends of President Buchanan established the Demo- 
cratic Standard in opposition to the Doylestown Democrat, because 
the latter would not support his Kansas- Nebraska policy. Henry P. 
Ross, then a student of law in his father's office, was the editor, and 



21 When the Olive Branch was published at this place C. C. Cox was 
roller boy for Frank Sellers. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 69 

J. Mathias Beans and Julius Kuster, both graduates of the Democrat 
office, were proprietors and business managers. The paper was ably- 
edited, but ceased to exist when the Civil War broke out. The morn- 
ing Captain Davis left Doylestown, with the Doylestown Guards, at 
the outbreak of the war, he bought the Democratic Standard, put the 
material in his own office, and enlisted Julius Kuster, one of its late 
business managers, in the Guards, with the rank of Corporal. This as- 
sisted to close the breach in the Democratic party. 

Bernard McGinty, who came to Doylestown with the Mirror, left 
that paper, opened a job office on the property of the Court Inn, and 
shortly started the Court Ga:{^ette, which he published until 1890, 
when he sold out to the syndicate that purchased the Democrat. In 
February, 1883, Howard Morris, a graduate of the Democrat office, 
began the publication of a small sheet called The Cricket, which lasted 
about six months. It was neat and sprightly. It is an open secret 
that its publication was discontinued because a form was "pied." 
Julius Kuster was on its stafT. The latest newspaper to be born into 
our local journalistic world of Doylestown, was the Daily Republican, 
1893, the outcome of a quarrel in that party, and, ostensibly, in the in- 
terest of Mr. Quay. Those interested made the plant a stock com- 
pany under the name of the "Republican Company," and it publishes 
both a weekly and daily. In addition to the above mentioned papers, 
the Baptist church published the Sower and Reaper, a small religious 
monthly, and the National Farm School, two miles out of town, 
issues The Gleaner. 

One of the editors of a Doylestown paper, became a very promi- 
nent journalist in the south. This was John S. Heart, who conduct- 
ed the Political Examiner for Frank Shaw. He was born in Philadel- 
phia, and, from Doylestown, went to Washington, to take charge of 
the Spectator and Young Hickory, organs of the Calhoun Democracy. 
From Washington, Heart went to Charleston, South Carolina, becom- 
ing one of the editors and joint-proprietor of the Mercury, September 
I, 1849, the firm being Heart and Taber. On July i, 1851, Heart 
sold his interest of the Mercury to Colonel Rhett and returned to 
Washington, where he was appointed superintendent of the Printing 
Bureau. He went back to Charleston at the outbreak of the Civil 
War and to Memphis, Tennessee, at its close, where he established 
the Commercial. 

Our newspaper offices have done more or less book printing in 
the course of their business life, but not to any great extent. The 



70 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

earliest book published by any of the offices in Doylestown, so far as 
we can learn, was issued by Asher Miner 1808. This was a volume 
of the works of Boethus, "Concerning the Consolation of Philosophy." 
It was written about 1300 years a^o, and translated from the Latin by 
Paul Preston, a self-taught genius of this county. It is a volume of 
four and one-half by six and one-half inches, of fifty-three pages, and 
also contains twenty-six verses on "The Captivity of Benjamin Gilbert 
and Family by the Indians, in 1780." Since that time many books 
have been issued from the county press, quite a number in German. 
In 1814 Asher Miner published a volume containing the "Confession 
of Faith of Mennonists," in German. P'ollowing these, our German 
offices printed, in that language, a number of books between 1834 and 
1848, of which the following are the titles: 

A Mirror of the Baptism, 1834, J. Zornig; True Righteousness, 
advocated by A. Gottschall, 1837, J. Young and Krapf; The Prophet, 
1838, J. Young and Krapf; Description of the New Creation, by A. 
Gottschall, 1838, J. Young; The Small Prayer-Book, by J. Haber- 
mann, 1839; Catechism, 1844, J. Young; Six Different Discourses (or 
Dialogues), 1845, J. O. Brecht; Christian Conversations, 1848, J. 
Young; The Small Religious Harp of the Children of Zion, fifth edi- 
tion ; by order of the Mennonitc Congregations, Doylestown, 1848, 
printed b)' Young and Loeb. ^^ 

While W. W. H. Davis owned the Democrat office, he publish- 
ed several volumes there of which he was the author: "The History of 
the Hart Family;" "Life of General John Lacey;" "History of Bucks 
County," (type set up in office, press work done in Philadelphia:) 
"The Spanish Conquest of New Mexico;" "History of the Doyles- 
town Guards;" "Life of General John Davis" and "The Fries Rebel- 
lion," the latter being issued from the office after it had passed into 
the hands of the Publishing Company. 

22 The titles of these books, in German, were sent to the author fifteen 
years a^^o, by the late Horatio Gates Jones, Esq., Philadelpeia, and Mr. 
Frederick Constantine, of the BiiiA's County Mirror, translated them into 
Eng^lish. 



ioi)lc0tonin, ©15 aiiD llciu* 



IX 

In the Twenties. 

While the removal, of the county seat to Doylestown, was an ex- 
cellent thing for the ultimate pros-perity of the village, it was a long 
time feeling the new impulse. There was little improvement for a 
number of years, and it had probably less life between '20 and '30, 
than in any like period of the first fifty years of the century. ^ An 
occasional building was erected, and a small increase in population, 
while every thing else moved along on very conservative lines. The 
village newspapers make no mention of any material improvement 
until the spring of 1828, when the Intelligencer of April 21, says: 

" We may here properly notice the general spirit of improvement 
prevailing in various parts of our town; several new houses are being 
erected, old ones undergoing repairs, the walling in, fencing, and 
planting ornamental trees on the grounds attached to the public 
buildings, and a daily stage to Philadelphia, Easton, Bethlehem and 
Allentown, give quite an active and business appearance to the 
village. "2 

While "small favors are thankfully received," as a rule, this was 
nothing to brag of. A community, that waits fifteen years before 

1 In Doylestown, February 20, 1820, John Backhouse, son of Richard 
Backhouse, former owner of Durham furnace, aged 34 years. 

2 On March 15, 1821, Crispin Blackfan, of Doylestown, Prothonotary of 
the Court of Common Pleas, to Hannah, daughter of Colonel Elisha Wilkinson, 
of Buckingham. 

71 



72 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

planting trees on the grounds of its public buildings and erecting a 
fence around them, is conservative to the point of lacking public 
spirit. A boom had long been anticipated, but it did not come until 
the decade had expired and the century turned into the 30' s. In the 
meantime, however, we come to a period when there is some criti- 
cism, the first we have met with, on the general appearance of the 
county capital. As this is part of the village history we refrain from 
withholding it. In the summer of 1829, there appeared, in the Patriot 
of June 22nd, over the signature of "Cid Hamet Benengeli," the 
following: 

"Before all other villiages and towns commend me to our charm- 
ing nob, Doylestown. I admire, exceedingly, its commanding 
situation; its beautiful appearance when seen from a distance; its wind- 
ing streets and acute angles; and. above all, the judicious interming- 
ling of fronts, corners, rears and gable-ends, which line the way. 
Care has evidently been taken, in erecting houses, to avoid the mo- 
notony of method. They stand like the 33d regiment P. M. in motly 
array, front-rank and rear-rank, a little in or a little out, as fancy or 
convenience may dictate. This, certainly, imparts the flavor of that 
pleasant spice variety, and, to my eye, constitutes the beauty of a 
country town, that should not endeavor to look like a great one. 
There should be something odd; something to take the eyes, and 
elicit a passing remark from the traveler. Doylestown is quite odd, 
and must, therefore, I conceive, 'be quite the thing.' " 

^ *;:<** ^; * * * 

" For the origin of Doylestown it is in vain to fix a date. Certainly 
it is a place of high antiqu ity — 'the memory of man runneth not to 
the contrary.' To search the Records and wipe away the clouds of 
doubt and dust, *I thank my stars is not my task.' The town, how- 
ever, derives its name from William Doyle, formerly a proprietor of 
a part of the hill on which it stands, and instead of 'Doylestown' was 
anciently written 'Doyle-Town.' 

" Not long since, some difficulty arose as to the precise situation of 
certain important corner-stones- Grubbing hoes and Dutch shovels 
were set to work to settle the matter, but the principal one, at the 
junction of the Easton and Newtown roads, was not to be found. So 
that (quoad hoc) whatever is must necessarily be right. Several years 
ago somebody undertook to dig lor gold in a large field near the town. 
Nothwithstanding the most persevering industry (and at the right age 
of the moon, too) not a particle of gold was discovered; of course the 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 73 

enterprise fell through, and the proprietor had nothing but his labor 
for his pains. " 

"The plan upon which Doyle-Town was laid out was unique. 
It is douljtful indeed, whether any plan was ever made, for, if such had 
been the case, I should think the town would have been arranged 
with more regard for right lines and right angles. The main street 
makes a very palpable curve, running in a north-westerly course as 
far as Mr. Morris' hotel, thence curving round to the north, some- 
thing like a scythe blade, until it gets out of town. The Newtown 
road and the old Township Line road ^ (there are no names for these 
streets) cross the main street, running against each other at the west 
end of the town.'* There are several other streets or lanes in the 
town, such as Shaw's lane, the "Dutch Lane,"5 "Church Lane,"^ 
and the "Lane of Desolation." As for the side walks, by your leave, 
Mr. Editor, I will make but little mention of them, as the least said is 
the soonest amended. I must say, however, that they die very like 
Jeremiah's Figs. Strangers, walking in the main street after dark, 
are cautioned to lift their feet higher than usual, to avoid stumbling 
over an artificial precipice in the side-walk, near the centre of the 
town. A more ingenious mantrap was never invented." 

:<c * :^ * * * * 

"Doylestown has no Mineral Springs to make it a great summer 
resort (as they have at "Willow Grove) but they have a fountain of 
mineral water at Mr. Field's a thousand times more palatable, and I 
dare say equally beneficial." 

The next to critisize the village was a "Sojourner" in the issue 
of a village newspaper of November 9, 1829, who says: 

"I am a stranger in Doylestown and its neighborhood, and for 
one good reason, I am glad of it. In my passage through your 
village, the mail, as usual, stopped at Mr. Marples,^ and, having some 
little walking to do in the town, it was with the greatest dilificulty I 
could get along in some places, on account of the muddy condition of 
the streets. One place, in particular, the hill just below Mr. Marples,* 
is a disgrace to so wealthy a place as Doylestown. How the ladies 



3 Court street. 

4 Crossing at Clinton street. 

5 E.xtenuation of Broad street. 

6 Church street. 

7 Now the Fountaixi House. 

8 The descent of Main street from State. 



74 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

manage to walk I don't know, though I fancy, if the truth were 
known, they are obHged to stay within doors. 

We allow a couple additional witnesses to take the stand and 
testify in favor of muddy streets before we close this side of the case. 
A newspaper of the town, date and name not remembered, says: 

"We shall soon be supplied with our winter's supply of mud; and, 
unless the walks are mended, we have nothing to expect but a 
repetition of the same melancholy and protracted scene of wading, 
splashing and splattering, dirty boots and clumsy overshoes." 
Another authority says: 

" It is some amusement to witness the manoeuvering of the Doyles- 
town people in picking their way through the wretchedly muddy 
streets in this season of the year. A journey of a square and a half is 
a most rueful undertaking, and the safe accomplishment of the whole 
tour of the town would be little better than a miracle." 

The severe criticism on the street condition of the town probably 
had its effect, for we find, that at a public meeting held in the early 
winter of 1829, to take action toward the incorporation of the village, 
something was done to "amend" them. Measures were inaugurated 
to effect an improvement of the side walks. The streets were turned 
over to the supervisors, and Timothy Smith, Enoch Harvey and 
James S. Rich, were constituted a committee to supervise the work. 
What, if any, improvement this brought about is not known. 

While we fear there was more than a grain of truth in what "Cid 
Hamet," and the other witnesses, had to say about the condition of 
the streets of the town of Doyle, at the close of the twenties; never- 
theless if they could return in the flesh, and walk the streets of the 
Doylestown of 1903, almost three quarters of a century intervening, 
we believe they would be willing to recall their previous testimony, 
take off their hats and make the amende honorable. 

But the 20' s were not allowed to turn the corner into the 30' s 
without a visible sign of improvement, for, in 1827, the first German 
newspaper in the county, was born into the journalistic world. The 
Bucks County Express, of which more is said in a previous chapter. 

To show the attention paid the 4th of July at that period, we 
give a report of the celebration in the Court House, Doylestown, 1822, 
held under the auspices of the Artillery, Capt. Magill. Josiah Y. 
Shaw was president of the day. Dr. James S. Rich, vice president 
and Frank Shaw the orator. Dinner was served in the woods east of 
the Presbyterian church. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. ?5 

The Correspondent, Asher Miner's paper, says of it: 
" The welcome morning was ushered in by the ringing of the bells 
and thunder from the cannon. The County Hall (court room) the 
afternoon previous had been decorated in a style the most enchanting 
for rural scenery, and displaying, in point of effect, a degree admirably 
appropriate to the occasion. The interior was darkened with the tall 
green forests of spruce and laurel most tastefully disposed. The 
large folding doors, at the entrance of the hall, were thrown wide, and 
the citizens passed in under wreathed arches of laurel. Every window 
in the hall was ornamented in the same manner. The large semi- 
circular recess, occupied by the Judge's Bench, was adorned in the 
most imposing style. The background presented a thick forest 
showing, in some degree, the mist of distance, over which was seen 
towering in bolder approach a grand arch about 21 feet from point to 
point in its base, and about 10 feet to its centre, formed of the richest 
foliage of the laurel, and upon which was displayed, at equal distance, 
the thirteen stars, with radiance of seven inches, representing the 
thirteen states, that united in the Declaration of Independence, Penn- 
sylvania being the key and centre, and immediately under the centre, 
in large letters and figures appeared, "July the Fourth 76." 
This was the 46th Anniversary of Independence. The only citizen, 
whose toast is reported, was that of Samuel Kachline, who drank: 
"Our Farmers, Mechanics, Manufactures and Merchants; Indepen- 
dence is their boast; if the country be prompt in furnishing them with 
arms, they will be prompt to defend it." One gun six cheers. 

Seven years later, 1829, a pretentious institution came into being 
in the village, "The Academy of Natural Sciences," the meeting, for 
organization being held February nth, with Abraham Chapman in 
the chair. What was done is not recorded, but, at a subsequent 
meeting, held in the Academy the evening of February 25, a com- 
mittee was appointed to draft an address to the citizens of the county. 
The next meeting, we find mention o^, was held April 29, and the 
constitution and by-laws were completed at that or a subsequent 
session. This completing the organization, the first meeting under 
the constitution, was held for the election of permanent ol^cers, May 
25, with the following result: President, John Moore; Vice President, 
William H. Johnson; Recording Secretary, Albert Smith; Corres- 
ponding Secretary, Jonathan C. Jones; Curators, Dr. James S. Rich 
and Robert P. DuBois; and Treasurer, Rev. Samuel Aaron. The 
Society held monthly meetings, and at the first, June 6, a lecture 



76 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

was delivered in the Court House on Botany, at 4 p. m., by Mr. 
Jones, Corresponding Secretary. Daniel Longstreth, Warminster 
township, delivered a lecture oa Entomology at a meeting held 
August 28, and, on September 25, Captain John Robbarts, New 
Britain, brought to the meeting a chicken with four legs. The in- 
troductory lecture, on Mineralogy, was delivered before the .Society 
by Dr. Hugh Meredith, February 27, 1830, at which time the 
membership was thirty, and, in 1836, thirteen women belonged to it. 
The Dr. Meredith, who delivered this lecture, was the nephew of Dr. 
Hugh Meredith, senior, who it will be recalled, died in 1815. In 
the first year of the Society, both the president and corresponding 
secretary died, and a resolution of regret was adopted at the annual 
meeting. May 22, 1832. The minute book gives a catalogue of the 
minerals in tlie cabinet of the Society, 181 specimens in all with the 
names of the givers. The last recorded meeting was held January 4, 
1837, with Abraham Chapman in the chair, the exercises on the 
occasion consisting of a lecture on "Electricity," by S. J. Paxson, 
and an essay on the subject of "New Year's Day," was read by C. E. 
DuBois. The Society probably came to an end between this time 
and 1840. Subsequent to this we find some trace of the "Bucks 
County Academy of Natural Sciences," but the two organizations 
were probably one and the same under different names. Two cases 
of minerals, belonging to the "Academy of National Sciences," were 
deposited in the Ingham Female Seminary, but what became of them 
is not known. 

In reading what is said about Doylestown, at this period, the 
I'eader should not forget "there are two sides to every question," at 
least the legal profession inculcates this idea when there is a good fee 
at stake, and, they contend no question should be decided without 
hearing both sides. So we think on arriving at the true condition of 
our "nob Doylestown," when bidding adieu to the 20' s and about 
entering the 30' s. It was not as black as the other side had painted 
it by a good deal, and this we will now prove, at least to our own 
satisfaction, if not to our readers, by the witnesses we put on the 
stand. A writer of the village had the following to say of it; its sur- 
roundings and the people, about 1830, and we rest the verdict on his 
testimony: 

"The charming appearance of the town, particularly at this season 
of the year, will be found an excellent inducement for summer visitors; 
it lies on a most delightful route; leaving Philadelphia we pass through 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 77 

Jenkintown, Willow Grove, Hatboro, all pleasant villages, and can 
stay all night, if they choose, at any of the six hotels of Doylestown; 
from thence to Bethlehem, Allentown, or the charming borough of 
Easton. Here the traveler has his choice for Mauch Chunk or 
Schooley's mountain or, indeed, wherever he may prefer to go. 
Assuredly, no direction from Philadelphia can be so pleasant to travel 
as that we have described. Unfortunately, we have, as yet, no mineral 
spring to constitute a source of attraction; but a solution of Glauber 
salts(which is much the same thing) can be found at any time. Pleasanter 
substitutes, such as ale, lemonade, etc. are always in readiness. Last 
year we had the benefit of a fountain of artificial mineral waters at Mr, 
Field's, but we are sorry to learn his interesting apparatus does not 
propose to give another blow-out this season." 

"There are some elegant afternoon drives from this place: 
Would mention, for instance. Prospect Hill, where the view is truly 
be;'.utiful; New Hope properly No "Hope," where the eye may be 
regaled with a sight of that national blessing, the Delaware Divison 
of the Pennsyh'ania Canal; where also may be seen the Banking 
house of a very prosperous institution, the New Hope Delaware Bridge 
Company; an interesting drive may be made to Lumberville and Point 
Pleasant; to Montgomery Square or to Newtown, which is not so new 
as the name would indicate. For shorter trip we ride out to the Cross 
Keys; Colonel Wilkinson's; ^ Major Carver's; to the old Turk^ (re- 
vised) and to Stephen's. 9 One class of people may find this place, on 
some accounts, particulary agreeable; we mean young ladies. The 
"Stock Company" of the town are not proportioned in number to 
the young men; consequently the appearance of a few stars is always 
waited with eagerness. We dare not do more than throw out a hint 
upon this subject, for a certain class of the population, will be found 
no wise anxious for any such addition to society as we have mentioned 
and will "play the mischief" with us if we are too bountiful in our 
invitations. We are desirous to keep in their good graces." 

A representative of the Philadelphia Chronicle says of Doyles- 
town : 

"The village contains about 125 dwelling houses, constructed of 
different materials, some of brick, some of stone, and others wooden 

7 Centerville. 

8 One mile below Doylestown. 

9 A mile out of town on the Upper State road; this tavern and the Turk 
long since out of license. 



7& DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

frame. The houses are generally well built, many of them in modern 
style with a front yard enclosed." * * * "This is the seat of 
justice for the county; of course there are a Court House, a prison 
and county ofifices. These are of solid and durable construction, 
erected in the year 1812, upon the summit of the town and are en- 
closed by a wall and paling in a public lot, which, except on the walks, 
is well covered with grass and shaded with trees." 

" Among the most favorable signs of the intelligence and spirit of 
the people of this place and surrounding country, is the encourage- 
ment given to the puplic press. There are four newspapers issued 
here weekly — two in the English, the Bucks County Intelligencer and 
the Doylestown Democrat, of the largest class of county journals, and 
two in the German language, both respectable for matter of size." 

It is a fortunate thing for the author, as it will be for the future 
historian, that the newspapers of the period give such accurate 
account of the progress of the county capital from time to time. One 
of the newspapers, speaking of Doylestown at the beginning of the 
30' s, says: 

"In our village there are upwards of one hundred dwelling 
houses — three of brick put up the last season ; the residue substantial 
stone and frame buildings, one-half of which are yearly rented to 
mechanics, laborers and others. At present there are six taverns, five 
stores, three printing ofifices, twelve lawyers, four physicians, two 
cabinet makers, five shoemakers, three tailors, four teachers, two 
stone masons, one master carpenter, one master hatter, two wheel- 
wrights, two blacksmiths, besides a tanner and currier, tinman, book- 
binder, milliner, stonecutter, chairmaker, coachmaker, painter and 
glazier, iron foundry, saddler, butcher, fanmaker, a brickyard and 
about twenty journeymen mechanics, forty apprentices, and twenty 
daily laborers." 

"Doylestown and the surrounding country is one of the most 
healthy and pleasant places we know of; situated nearly equi-distant 
between Philadelphia and Easton, and the stages pass daily through 
the village for Philadelphia, Easton and for Pottsville and New York. 
Persons desirous of purchasing real estate, can now have an excellent 
opportunity as some of the best farms in the neighborhood of the vil- 
lage are offered for sale, as well as numerous town lots, which may be 
had at fair prices. Those wishing to purchase, or mechanics desirous 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 79 

of procuring situations, will be cheerfully afforded every information 
by addressing the editor of this paper. ' ' '° 

In 1833, just after the county seat had turned out of the twenties 
and enrolled itself in the thirties, an unknown correspondent wrote of 
our town of Doyle: 

" Doylestown, the seat of Justice of Bucks county, is twenty-six 
miles North of Philadelphia in Doylestown township, situated upon a 
high hill and has a commanding view of a delightful and fertile coun- 
try which surrounds it, and is not less remarkable for salubrity than 
for the beauty of its location. The public buildings consist of a com- 
modious stone Court House, in which are the county ofifices, and a 
capacious stone prison. There are in the town about one hundred 
dwellings, five stores, and six taverns. Two daily stages pass through 
it to Easton. A branch of the Neshammy creek passes near to and 
east of the town. There is here a Presbyterian church, an Academy, 
which is incorporated and has received several donations from the 
state, an Academy of Natural Sciences, an Agricultural Society and 
four weekly newspapers; the Bucks County Intelligencer, the Bucks 
County Republican, the Doylestown Democrat and the Doylestown 
Express, the last a German paper. With this evidence in favor of our 
charming " nob," despite the testimony on the other side, the verdict 
must be in favor of our town of Doyle."" 

10 Democrat, November 30, 1830. 

11 In this decade one of the most distinguished members of the Doyles- 
town bar was admitted to practice, the late Thomas Ross, Esq. This was in 
1829, and from that time to his death, 1865, he played a leading part, not only 
at the bar but also in politics, representing this district two terms in the Con- 
gress of the United States. His two grandsons, the fourth generation m 
descent from Judge John Ross, are in practice at this bar, something unusual; 
and hold up their end worthily. Thomas Ross is thought to have built the 
law office, whose likeness assists to illustrate this chapter, about the time he 
was admitted to the bar. 



\6^ 



Jloi)le0tonin, (^Ih anii Hem. 



X 
In the Thirties. 

In October, 1830, Francis B. Shaw, a member of the Doylestown 
bar, something of a journaHst and son of Josiah Y. Shaw, made a step 
on the hne of improvement, by purchasing the "Underbill Farm,"' 
cutting a portion of it into building lots and offering them at public 
sale on the iSth. It joined the village on the south and embraced a 
strip of woodland on the west side of the Easton road, now South 
Main street. The lots were advertised as "beautiful for building and 
convenient for business. " More or less of them were probably sold 
but we have not been able to get any account of the sale. Since that 
time a number of buildings have been erected on the slope, including 
a hotel, industrial plants, railroad station etc., but the town's growth 
has not been in that direction. The author remembers when this part 
of the town was known by the soubriquet of "Ireland," as the north- 
section is still called "Germany," 

The issue of the newspaper announcing the purchase of the 
"Underbill Farm," the Bucks County Intelligencer of October 11, 
1830, calls for the following mechanics and others most needed in 
Doylestown to boom its fortunes: "a tobacconist, a soap and tallow 
chandler, a brewer and bottler, brickmakers and bricklayers, a brush- 
maker, clock and watch maker, tinsmith, oak and cedar cooper, and 
a gun and lock smith." We infer, from these workmen being called 



I This was the old Shaw farm just below the borough, on the west side of 
the turnpike leading to Philadelphia, and was owned for many years by the 
late Josiah Hart. 

80 




FRANCIS B. SHAW. 



DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 8i 

for, none of them were here, or the supply was not equal to the 
demand. At this period, ^ and we believe the same year, 1830, an 
historic building was erected on the Ross property, on the north side 
of East Court street where Pine street enters it and adjoining the 
public grounds. This was an Attorney's ofifice built of brick 
and still standing, in which three generations of the family, grand- 
father, sons and grandsons have practiced their profession, consulted 
their clients and prepared their briefs, which does not often occur 
under the same roof. Among the cases was the celebrated Mina- 
Chapman murder, 183 1-2, tried by Thomas Ross, then Deputy 
Attorney General for the county. Of the Attorneys of the Ross 
family, which occupied this historic ofifice, one served two terms in 
the House of Representatives of the United States, another sat on the 
bench of the adjoining counties of Bucks and Montgomery, and a 
third served two terms in the Senate of Pennsylvania. The ofifice and 
its distinguished occupants are alike entitled to a place in our volume. 

In the Bucks County Intelligencer, of December 10, 1832,3 a 
resume of the village improvements of that period says: 

"There appears to be a renewed vigor and spirit of enterprise 
here. There have been newly erected several valuable brick dwell- 
ing houses, some of them in modern and superior style. It is expect- 
ed from the late purchase and transfer of lots and the corresponding 
arrangements, that next summer there will be a number of spacious 
dwellings as well as other houses of a smaller class erected. There 
seems an auxiliary and immediate impulse given to trade and business 
from the establishment of a bank now shortly to go into operation." 

The brick dwellings, spoken of as "newly erected," were those of 
the Misses Buckman and Mr. Freed, next door to each other, south 
side of East Court street. The former was built by the late General 
William T. Rogers, the latter by Mrs. Morris, mother of the late John 
Lloyd, and in the summer and fall of 1832. After the Rogers' house 
was completed, he got the Rev. Samuel Aaron to calculate the num- 
ber of bricks in it, wliich footed up 36,533, of all quality, giving the 
number in each part of it, viz: partition wall, cellar, 1700; north- 



2 At Doylestown, February 11, 1830, Mrs Emilia D. Aaron, wife of Rev. 
Samuel Aaron and daughter of the late Rev. Uriah DuBois, in her 27th year. 

3 In Philadelphia. March S. 1S32, after a short illness, Caroline Hyde, 
formerly of Doylestown, aged thirty years. Miss Hyde lived several years in 
Doylestown, and was noted for her benevolence, and her disinterested interest 
for her neighbors. At the time of her death she was teaching an infant school 
in the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. 



82 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NFAV. 

east end, 9,700; the front wall from basement to chamber floor, 2,613; 
southwest end, 14,702; back wall from basement to chamber floor, 
2,613; same from chamber floor to square, 2,263. There were a 
number of smaller measurements, and the report was made to General 
Rogers, May 10, 1832, about the time the walls were up. The 
double brick, on the north side of West Court street, was erected 
about the same time by Samuel Yardley, in one end of which Robert 
M. Yardley, Esq., lived. 

The first occupant, of the east end, was William Watts, late 
Associate Judge and there he died. At his death, 1838, his grand- 
father's clock, given him by his father, Arthur Watts, was sold at 
public sale to Samuel Yardley, but the much prized clock cannot be 
traced any further. When these dwellings were erected, the author 
was a boy at school in Doylestown, and he and other boys had many 
a good romp in the shavings. 

i^ :^i ^ ^ ^ ■^ 

"We want clock and watch-makers, brewers, plasterers, paper- 
hangers, brick-makers and brick-layers, book-binders, tanners and 
curriers, and other operators, if we may be allowed to use the term. 
There remains but little doubt, that in a short time the increasing 
population and improvement will call for board and coal- yards and an 
additional store or two, especially an apothecary and druggist. Most 
of these we already have among us, but competition, like punctuality, 
is the life of trade, and, instead of diminshing employment and profit, 
tends to increase both." 

The brick dwelling, owned and occupied by Dr. Frank Swartz- 
lander, the elder, on the south side of East State street, was built in 
1832 by William Cox, and after his death was bought by William 
Stokes, who lived in it to his death, January 30, 1850, in his eighty- 
second vear. The brick on the northeast corner of State and Pine, 
occupied by Dr. Swartzlander, the younger, was built in 1830; sold 
by the Sheriff and bought by Samuel Yardley, the leading merchant 
of the village. 

In a subsequent issue of the Intelligencer,'^ a further view of the 
improvements going on in Doylestown is given: 

"There was probably never a greater degree of prosperity in our 
town than is exhibited at this time. No less than ten houses are in a 
state of forwardness, and preparations are making for the erection of 

4 May 27, 1833. 



DOVLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 83 

several others this season. These buildings are all to be erected in 
a style that will materially add to the beauty of the place, being prin- 
cipally for the occupancy of those who are putting them up. Among 
those of a larger class we may particularize that of the new bank, the 
dimensions of which are 36x40 feet, to be two stories high, of stone 
and plastered in imitation of marble. It is on the Main street between 
the late Enoch Harvey's dwelling and his tavern house, now Mr, 
Brock's. The masons have got the cellar walls up. Nearly opposite, 
Charles Harvey has pulled down his store house on the corner, and is 
building a beautiful house of suitable dimensions for a store and 
dwelling. 5 This is of brick and the work tastefully and neatly ex- 
ecuted. On the lots fronting the southeast side of the Court House, 
two brick houses are to be erected which will materially beautify that 
part of the town. On the southwest side of the lot, facing the public 
buildings, a house is to be erected by about 26 by 30, as an office for 
the Clerk of Orphans' Court. A spirit of improvement is visable 
around several of the older houses, many of which are undergoing 
material alterations." 

Prior to the spring of 1833, there was not a house of any kind 
on the square "fronting the southeast side of the Court house," 
bounded by Court, Broad and Pine streets and Garden Alley. The 
open square was the play ground of the Academy boys where they 
indulged in shinny and other amusements. When the Court house 
was erected, 1812-13, the block was owned by Nathaniel Shewell 
but subsequently sold and built on. On the first of April, 1833, 
Thomas Shewell, Philadelphia, sold the northeast corner lot to Dr. 
Hugh Meredith,^ of Doylestown township, a nephew of old Dr. Hugh 
Meredith who died 18 15. The price was $606.57, ^^^ the size 50 
feet by 153 feet 5 inches, reaching down to Garden Alley. This 
house was built the same year the lot was bought, 1833, for when Dr. 
Meredith advertised his farm in the township for sale, 1834, he in- 
cluded "a large two story brick house on Court street fronting the 
public square, erected the last season and finished in first rate style. 
There is a frame ofifice of two stories attached to the main building." 
This described the house in question as the author remembers it. It 
was bought by Caleb E. Wright, who had come here to practice law 
and subsequently by George Lear who tore down the frame office and 

5 Randall's corner, State and Main. 

6 December 21, 1831, Dr. Hu,2^h Meredith, of Doylestown, to Miss Anna D. 
Rose, formerly of Charleston, S. C. 



84 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

added a brick to the dwelling as we now find it. The property passed to 
the possession of Charles H. Magill in recent years. 

The DuBois dwelling, the next door west but one, was built the 
same year, and carried the date, 1833, on the head of the water spout 
until a thoughtless painter painted over it. No other family has lived 
in this dwelling. Mrs. Charles E. DuBois ^ died in March, 1901, at 
the age of 88, and her two daughters and a sister now occupy it. 

This house has been longer occupied, continuously, by the same 
family, than any other dwelling in the borough, and by the family that 
built it than the Hall dwelling. The next lot purchased on this block, 
facing the public ground, at the northwest corner, at Pine and Court, was 
by William Carr, who had recently come here as Clerk of the Orphans' 
Court. He bought it of Thomas Ross, the then owner, and the size 
of the lot was 60 feet on Court street by 153 feet 5 inches in depth to 
Garden Alley. This purchase was made April 25, 1833. Mr. Carr 
probably built on the lot the same season, for we are told by the family 
of the late John L. DuBois, Esq., which owns and occupies it that the 
water spout head formerly had the date, " 1833 " on it, and that the 
same date was carved by a diamond on one of the window panes. Mr. 
Carr cut this lot in two, and, some years after, built a dwelling on the 
east half in which he had his office, and rented the dwelling part. In 
the forties it was purchased by George H. Michener, Esq. , a member 
of the bar, who occupied it, until his death, and his family after him. 
It was purchased of the Michener family by Dr. James Groff, 1895, 
who erected a new dwelling on the site ^ the following summer at a 
cost of $8,000. 

The next person, to get possession of one of the eligible building 
lots on Court street, facing the public buildings and ground, was Dr. 
Charles H. Mathews, who purchased the third lot from the corner 
of Pine of Thomas Shevvell, April i, 1833, fifty-one feet nine 
inches by one hundred and fifty-three feet five inches for which he 
paid S603 and 71 cents. When Dr. Mathews erected a dwelling on 
the lot we are not informed, but in the near future, and in it he died. 
At his death the house passed to his son, Charles H. Mathews, Esq., 



7 In Philadelphia, June 24, 1S31, by the Rev. William Latta, Charles E. 
DuBois, Esq., of r)oylestown, Attorney at Law, to Miss Mary, daughter of the 
late Rev. John E. Latta, of New Castle, Delaware. 

8 The Bucks County hitelligencer, of May 27, 1833, says of the buildings 
to be erected the coming season, "On the lots fronting the southeast side of 
the Court house, two brick houses, will materially beautify that part of the 
town." We might infer from this but two were to be erected. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 85 

of the Philadelphia bar. The latter sold it, in the eighties to Judge 
Harman Yerkes, who enlarged and improved it, and it is now one of 
the handsomest dwellings in the borough. 

The last, of the original houses to be erected on this block, was 
that by Stokes L. Roberts, Esq., 1844, next but one to the corner of 
Court and Broad streets. He bought the lot of Charles E. DuBois, 
Esq., 1843. Mr. Roberts sold the house to W. W. H. Davis, 1859, 
who has lived in it to the present time. Since the house was built, 
now fifty-nine years, it has had but two occupants, and, until the 
present occupant made the house his home, neither a birth, death nor 
marriage had taken place in it. This completes a brief history of the 
six dwellings on the block facing the Court House and public ground. 
About 1830, it was intended to erect a building at the corner of Pine 
and Court for the accommodation of one of the county offices but the 
idea was abandoned. When these lots were sold, 1833, the present 
Pine street was called "Shewell street." 9 

Doylestown, in the past, as at present, was abreast with other 
communities in pushing the column of reform in morals. It was well 
in the lead in the cause of temperance, but the tone of her people has 
always been conservative. Probably the first meeting held in Doyles- 
town, to promote the cause of temperance, was at the Academy, the even- 
ing of March 3, 1830, at least so far as our investigations have revealed 
the movement. Andrew Dunlap was called to the chair and Samuel 
Yardley and George Murray appointed secretaries. A committee, 
consisting of John Fox, Charles E. DuBois, Albert Smith, E. T. Mc- 
Dowell and Dr. Hugh Meredith, was named to prepare a Constitution, 
to be reported at an adjourned meeting. This was held the loth, 
when the Constitution was adopted, an organization effected, with John 
Pugh for President; Dr. James S. Rich, Vice President; E. T. 
McDowell, Corresponding Secretary and Jeremiah S. Rich, Recording 
Secretary. Mr. McDowell was appointed to deliver an address at the 
first annual meeting. 

In the next issue of the Democrat the editor, M. H. Snyder, 
made the following comments on the temperance movement: 

"We certainly do not approve of the present system of anti- 



9 Why Shewell street was changed to "Pine" no one knows, for there is 
nothing connected with it that could suggest the name. When streets were 
laid out through the Pollock suburb, 1898^ the author suggested, in the Dem- 
ocrat, that one of them be called "Shewell." H. C. Mercer took it up and 
advocated it before the Council, which accepted the suggestion, and one ol the 
streets was called "Shewell Avenue," a fitting tribute to the man who did much 
for Doylestown. 



86 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

fogmatics, pleghm-cutters, mint julips, and the whole tribe of liver 
murdering preparations that infest our country, but we hold with 
Anacreon, Horace and Tom Moore, that the juice of tlie grape is not 
to be eschewed. We are poor devils of humanity altogether, and if 
a glass of Champaign or Madeira or Port will drive away the clouds of 
care, why should we not indulge it ? Tlie world cannot appreciate 
half the troubles of an editor. To loose a dozen subscribers, to read 
turkey tracks, which some correspondents call writing, to be dunned 
for ink, etc. — this is the unkindest cut of all — to eat our pudding cold, 
in short, to do all things we must do, and to submit to all the griev- 
ances our state imposes on us — all these things must be taken into 
consideration. ' ' 

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, you of the committee, and you so hard 
of heart as to forego the pleasure of hot whiskey punch at the sign of 
Fox Chase !^° Think of it before you condemn it. We will dispense 
with brandy even though it be the "pure Naiad of the Phleghethonic 
rill, with gin, although it is called the true Hippoerene; but whiskey 
punch! It will never do, depend upon it." 

"Let us have whiskey punch and mirth and laughter; 
Sermons and soda water the day after!" 

In spite of the Democrat's philippic against the temperance 
movement of 1830, the effort resulted in the formation of a society 
for the suppression of intemperance with the ofScers already named. 
This was the commencement of a pretty active period of temperance 
reform, that was maintained many years and a good work accom- 
plished. At that early day prohibition was hardly thought of, and, 
if ever talked about, it was with bated breath. That was the period 
when the decanter was found on almost every sideboard, and the first 
thing done, when a guest entered a house, was an invitation from the 
host for him to "take something," and, to decline, was almost equiva- 
lent to an insult. When this custom is recalled there is some excuse, 
if not justification, for the Democrat's critcism on the temperance 
movement. 

In this movement temperance was the end sought, not prohibi- 
tion. It was too early for the doctrine of "touch not, taste not 
handle not;" that came later. A history of the work of the societies, 
following this pioneer movement in the cause of temperance, would be 
deeply interesting, but we have not the material at hand from which 

10 The present Fountain House. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 87 

to write it. The men and women who, at that early day, and against 
public sentiment, endeavored to hold in restraint by moral suasion, 
the appetite of their fathers sons and brothers, deserve to have their 
names engraved on tablets of gold and it will doubtless be done 
some day. 

Among the temperance organizations, that came into existence 
from this movement, was the "Sons of Temperance," which, in a few 
years grew into a powerful body, and were formed in almost every 
state. In this county there were several such organizations. In 
Doylestown we had the "Olive Branch Division," 1S45, which cele- 
brated its first anniversary in the Presbyterian church, the ladies pre- 
senting a bible to the order. The speakers were the Revs. Samuel 
Nightingale, S. M. Andrews and a Mr. Gillette. The division was 
probably named after the Olive Branch newspaper, a temperance 
organ published here by Franklin P. Sellers. It was a very spicy paper 
on temperance and other subjects, and, as the editor had suffered 
from the effect of intemperance, he knew whereof he spoke. While 
there is less outward temperance display at this day than half a cen- 
tury ago, the cause is advanced by more agencies, and quieter, and 
the result more encouraging." 



II October 9, 1S3S, Miss Mary B. Dunlap, daughter of the late Andrew 
Dunlap. At Doylestown, March 10, 1839, Hannah Austin, wife of William 
Austin. 



ioi)le0toiuu, ®lh mh ietu. 



XI 
A Noted Murder Trial. 

Among the most exciting criminal trials, that ever took place in 
the Bucks County Courts, was the Mina-Chapman murder case, 1831- 
32. It attracted great attention throughout the country, and takes 
rank with the most celebrated murders by arsenic, in our criminal 
jurisprudence, and the profession yet talks about it. The defendants 
were charged with poisoning Dr. William Chapman, a reputable per- 
son of Bensalem township, one of the guilty parties being his own 
wife. The following modest notice of Dr. Chapman's death appeared, 
without date, in one of our county papers and was the first informa- 
tion the public received of the crime: 

"At his seat in Andalusia, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, Dr. 
William Chapman, aged fifty-three years, a native of Buckingham- 
shire, England, the discoverer of the cure for stammering." 

A few days prior to Dr. Chapman's death, who died June 23, 
1831, a Spanish vagabond, representing himself as Don Lino Amilio 
Espos Y. Mina,i son of the Governor of Lower California, came to 
the Chapman residence and asked to stay over night. He was taken 
in and cared for, and Mrs. Chapman being infatuated with the rascal 
he was allowed to remain. In a few days, the Doctor sickened and 
died under suspicious circumstances. After his death Mina left, but 
the interest of the neighbors being aroused, he was pursued, arrested 



1 The real name of this villain was Entrealgo, whose family went from the 
Spanish Main to Cuba, where his father held the ofifice of Fiscal or Constable. 

88 




MINA, MrRDRRKR OF DR. CHAPMAN. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 89 

at Boston, and lodged in the Doylestown jail Thursday evening, 
October 6. Mrs. Chapman, who was charged with being a party to 
the crime, was arrested at Erie, Pa., and brought to Doylestown in 
the stage, Sunday morning, December 11, in custody of Thomas 
Mehaffy. She is represented as "large in person, with a strongly 
marked and rather forbidding countenance." 

In the issue of the Bucks County Intelligencer, of September 19, 
1 83 1, the editor says: 

"We understand that Mr. Ross, prosecuting attorney of the 
county, has had an interview with Recorder Mcllvaine, of Philadel- 
phia, and there is strong reason to believe that a murder has been 
committed through the means of poison. The individual charged has 
been arrested at Boston through the prompt measures of Recorder 
Mcllvaine, and the active interference of High Constable Blaney, to 
both of whom much credit is due. The matter is now in the hands of 
the Attorney-General of this county, and will, we have no doubt, be 
thoroughly investigated by him." 

While awaiting trial, Mina escaped from the jail by burning a 
hole through the floor of an adjoining cell, into which he managed to 
get, and, from that, made his way to the jail yard. There he was 
assisted in breaking the lock of! the outer gate with an axe by Wil- 
liam Brown, another prisoner, and both made their escape. They 
were seen by Sheriff Morris and some of his family, but succeeded in 
getting away. The alarm was immediately given and pursuit made. 
Brown was found secreted in a pile of bark in a woods a mile from 
town, and taken back to his old quarters. A reward of $40, and 
"all reasonable charges paid," was now offered for Mina, who was 
arrested at the tavern of A. H. James, ^ Hilltown township, a few miles 
from Doylestown, brought back and more securely confined. 

The case of Mina and Lucretia Chapman was called for trial 
Tuesday morning, February 14, 1832, the Hon. John Fox, President 
Judge, on the bench, bills having been found at December term. 
Thomas Ross, a young lawyer of Doylestown, Deputy Attorney Gen- 
eral, and William B. Reed, of Philadelphia, appeared for the Com- 
monwealth; E. T. McDowell, of Doylestown, and S. Rush, of Phila- 
delphia, for Mina, and David Paul Brown and Peter McCall, of Phila- 

2 This account of Mina's arrest is taken from a Doylestown paper, but 
another account says he went into the store of John O. James to buy a pair 
of shoes, and was arrested there, the late Dr. Wm. S. Hendrie, of Doylestown, 
assisting. 



go DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

delphia, for Mrs. Chapman. The morning was consumed in arguing 
a motion for separate trials, and, when concUided, the court adjourned 
for consultation. On re-assembling in the afternoon Judge Fox read 
the opinion of the court granting the application. Mrs. Chapman 
was now put upon her trial and the panel called for a jury. Twenty 
challenges were made by the prisoner and two by the Commonwealth, 
when the following persons were agreed upon as the jury, all of whom 
afifirmed except one, William M. White, of Warminster township; 
Joseph Paul, Henry Lecey, John B. Balderson, John Shutt, Joseph 
Watson, Henry Hartzell, John Palmer, John Yardley, Lewis Kinsey, 
Robert Phillips, Richard Leedom and William M. White. 

During the first three days the court room was packed, many 
being unable to gain admittance. The examination of witnesses 
commenced on Wednesday morning, and, on Saturday, when the 
court adjourned, eighteen had been upon the stand. On Wednesday 
the court laid an injunction on the newspaper reporters, not to pub- 
lish matter relating to the trial, and could have a bearing upon it, dur- 
ing its progress. The jury returned to the court, with a verdict of "Not 
Guilty," on Saturday evening, February 25, at 1 1 o'clock, when the 
defendant was discharged and returned home. During the rush to 
get into the court room, to witness the trial, William Reeder, con- 
stable, of Wrightstown, was pushed with such force against the railing 
of the stairs, his ribs were seperated from the back bone, and two or 
three of them broken. His life was despaired of for some time, but he 
finally recovered. 

Mina's trial came on at the April term ; the room was again 
packed with people and the deepest interest manifested to its close. 
The jury rendered a verdict of " Guilty of murder in the first degree," 
and the court passed sentence of death on the defendant on the first 
day of May in the presence of several hundred persons assembled to 
witness it. The scene was a solemn one. McDowell, one of Mina's 
counsel, read a statement made by the pris'oner, the latter sobbing 
aloud. Judge Fox, while passing the sentence, was visibly affected, 
and the court room was almost still enough to hear a pin drop. Mina 
stated that he had a little daughter four years old. Great indignation 
was expressed at the acquital of Mrs. Chapman, many believing her 
the guiltier of the two. The editor of the Bucks County Intelligencer, 
in speaking of the Mina-Chapman trials remarked : 

" We have seldom witnessed a more sacred and patient regard to 
the end of strict justice, tempered with mercy, than has been witnessed 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 91 

in the progress of these two trials." The death warrant was read to 
the prisoner on Friday, May 18, and the time for the execution fixed 
Thursday, June 21. The two trials were printed in pamphlet form at 
the office of the Bucks County Intelligencer, and sold for i2i4c a copy, 
but it has long" been out of print. 3 

The execution of Mina took place on the Alms House farm three 
miles below Doylestown, in the presence of an assemblage variously 
estimated from 5,000 to 10,000. Everything attending it seems to have 
been made as dramatic and spectacular as possible for such occasion. 
The military of the county was called out, without any precedent 
to sanction it, and what should have been a solemn affair was 
made a civil and militay frolic and holiday. The poor wretch was 
taken from the jail to the place of execution in an open wagon, with a 
large military escort and martial music, to say nothing of the great 
throng- on both sides of the road. The parade was more befitting the 
triumphal march of a conquering hero than to wait on a miserable 
con\'ict to the place of death. 

The turn out of volunteers were the largest ever seen in the 
county, embracing Colonel Simpson Torbert's fine Regiment of 
Infantry and the Centre Union Battalion of Bucks, besides several 
visiting companies from outside the county, twenty companies in all; 
Fn-st Montgomery troop. Captain Mathews, Second troop, do, Sham- 
iine. United States Huzzars, Eckel, Washington troop, Bucks county, 
Captain Overbeck, Lehigh county troop, Captain Cooper, Montgom- 
ery county Grays, Captain Ramsey, Liberty Guards, Bucks county, 
Captain Hart, Alert Rifles, Captain Praul, Union Rifle Rangers, 
Captain Joseph Morrison, Yardleyville Blues, Captain Slack, Alert 
Light Infantry Blues, Captain Clarke, Jefferson Guards, of New Hope, 
Captain Merrick, Company of Infantry, Captain Logan, Captain 
McKinstry's Infantry, of Major James' Battalion, Captain Mangle's 
Infantry, Captain Penrose's rifle Company, Captain Apples' do, 
Captain Sassman's do and Captain Calvin's Company under Major 
Bertles. 

Sheriff Morris was severely criticised for calling out the military 
for which there was no necessity — the Easton Argus intimating 
that the landlord of Doylestown and the police had some under- 

3 We know of but two copies of this trial in existence, but there are un- 
doubtedly others. Of these one belongs to the Bucks County Historical 
Society, presented to it by Joseph Yates Long, New York, but a native of Bucks 
county; the other is owned by the author. 



92 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

standing. After her acquittal, Mrs. Chapman adopted a vagabond life, 
traversing the country with her children, who had been tenderly 
reared, giving exhibitions. She came to Doylestown once after the 
trial on some matter of business, and was reported as dying in Florida 
the spring of 1840, where she was wandering as a strolling player. 
No woman ever realized more fully than she, that " the wage of sin is 
death." One of her sons was a student at Lafayette College, Easton, 
studied dentistry and began practice in Philadelphia, but we have no 
knowledge of him afterwards. 

It subsequently became known that Mrs. Chapman was a daugh- 
ter of Thomas Winslow, Massachusetts, a noted counterfeiter, and 
the family notorious in the annals of crime; that she was a member of 
the gang and signed the bills. It is further said she was under the 
surveillance of the police at the time of her arrest, for her connection 
with these counterfeiters and forgers. 

Down to this period, there was but one church organization in 
Doylestown, the Presbyterian, but the next to come was the Friends. 
From the first settlement there were followers of Penn in the vicinity, 
and, increasing from year to year, the nearness of Buckingham in- 
viting them across the line, but no organized eflort was made to erect 
a place of worship prior to 1834. That year the Buckingham Monthly 
gave the Friends of Doylestown and vicinity, permission to hold an 
Indulged Meeting on First day, and it was doubtless first holden at 
private houses. 

This was followed by steps to erect a suitable place of worship, 
and a lot, purchased on York street, now Ashland. A meeting house 
was built upon it the following year at a cost of $1,054. 50, and the 
first meeting held December 30, 1836. From that time to the present 
services have been held and the society kept intact. The Friends in 
the town and vicinity are not numerous enough for a large congre- 
gation, but, when a distinguished minister holds forth, as is oc- 
casionally the case, the building is well filled, a few of other denom- 
inations being generally present. This little congregation of the 
followers of Fox and Penn have pursued the even tenor of their way, 
and, wherever their influence reaches, it is found on the side of ortho- 
doxy in religion, and culture and conservatism in secular life. The 
Doylestown society is under the general care of Buckingham, the 
parent meeting. 

The founding of the Methodist Episcopal Church followed closely 
the erection of Friends' Meeting House, 1834- 1838. Of the latter 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 93 

we have already spoken, and will now speak of the former. At this 
time the population of Doylestown was approaching 800, more 
places for public worship were required, and the aggressive Metho- 
dists met this want. The nearest church, of this denomination, was 
nine miles awa)% and the few of this communion, settled here, seldom 
heai'd a minister of their own faith preach. Our village was occa- 
sionally visited by a missionary, who held service in the room set 
apart for religious worship in the Academy, and on July 30, 1830, 
the Reverend Mr. Rains, Philadelphia, preached in the Court House. 

Somewhat later in the thirties, the Philadelphia Conference 
established here the "Doylestown and AUentown Mission of the 
Philadelphia District;" on April 24, 1838, the Reverend James 
Hand came here to take charge of it, and, on the day of his arrival, 
made the following note in his diary: 

" There is no Methodist meeting house within nine miles of this 
place in any direction, and on the north and west none for twenty-si.x 
or thirty miles. There are Methodist churches at Lumberville, New 
Hope and Pennsville, each about nine miles. There is preaching in a 
school house at Bushington, three miles, and one still nearer, but no 
regular preaching in the town. There is a Presbyterian and one 
Quaker meeting house in the place and that's all." 

Mr. Hand* soon gathered the nucleus of a congregation about 
him and set to work. The Reverend Silas M. Andrews, with his 
broad views of Christian duty, extended a helping hand to these 
pioneers of Methodism, by opening the doors of the Presbyterian 
Church to them. One of the earliest converts was Samuel Hall, long 
a Presbyterian, who remained with the Methodist the rest of his life, 
almost half a century. The others, who were Mr. Hand's most active 
lieutenants when help was needed, were Philip Quick and wife, 
Samuel Wetherill, Mrs. John Hellings and Samuel and Independence 
Moser. At a later date, Henry P. Sands was an active member of 
the church, and William Frankenfield led the choir many years, and 
to his death, 1895. The congregation was a feeble band for several 
years, but faith and work triumphed, as they always will. 

When the number was sufficient to justify the erection of a 
church building of their own, a lot was purchased on West Court 
street, on the site of their late home, and a building erected that and 



4 Mr. Hand married Sarah Rodman, daughter of Samuel Rodman, Doyles- 
town township. He was a trustee of the church many^years after giving up 
preaching. 



94 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

the following year, 1838- 1839, and dedicated, with proper ceremonies, 
August II, of the latter year, the services being held afternoon and 
evening. 

As this was mainly the work of Mr. Hand, he naturally became 
the hrst pastor, and administered the affairs of the young church. In 
his effort he had fair success, and evidence was not wanting, that 
Methodism had come to Doylestown to stay. Mr. Hand's pastorate 
extended through 1838-39, with H. H. Sisty his assistant, and again 
in 1845-46 with D. L. Patterson and Alfred Cookman,s assistants. In 
the interim. Reverend C. J. Crouch, with D. E. Gardner, as assistant, 
was pastor in 1840-41, and Reverend Dallas D. Lore, with J. Ruth, 
assistant, in 1842-43 the Reverend J. J. Elsegood succeeding Mr. Lore. 

The calling of Mr. Lore was fortunate for the church. He was 
an able A'oung man, and eloquent speaker, and the congregation in- 
creased under his ministrations. He was pastor for three years, and, 
1846, was appointed missionary to Buenas Ayers, South America. 
On June 6, previous to sailing for his new field of labor, Mr. Lore was 
married to Miss Rebecca Toy, Burlington, N. J. He gained distinction 
in the church and died in recent years, long after his return from South 
America. The church building was twice repaired, the first time at 
an expense of ^2,000, and again, while Mr. Lorah was pastor, 1S91- 
'92. The activities of the church, outside of religious services, are 
the Senior and Junior Epworth League, Ladies' Aid Society and 
Sunday School. 

In the first fifty years, of the Methodist Church at Doylestown, 
1847-1897, the following pastors administered at its altar: George 
Quigley, J. Turner, H. H. Sisty, R. Owen, William Major, William 
McMichael, J. F. Gracey, Noble Frame, R. W. Humphrevvs, Wil- 
liam J. Stephenson, H. A. Cleveland, J. L. Taft, Joseph Welsh, S. N. 
Chew, C. H. McDermont, F. E. Church. William J. Mills, N. D. 
McComas, H. PL Bodine, Samuel Howell, L. Brown, A. W. Pichop, 
J. Baud(Mi, H. R. Robinson, George H. Lorah, S. T. Bisca Crocker, 
and A. P. Hodgson. Turner, Wood and Owen were assistants and 
Mr. Lorah was the longest in charge. In 1892, the congreation took 
steps to erect a new church building. A lot was i)urcliased on the 
east side of South Main street below York ; A. Oscar Martin, Arch- 



5 The Rev. Alfred Cookman was a son of Chaplain Cookman, of the U. S. 
House of Representatives, and preached his last sermon, before that body, 
March 7, 1841. A few days later, he embarked on the Steainer President for 
England, and the vessel was never heard from. The author was present, and 
heard Mr. Cookman' s farewell sermon to Congress. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 95 

itect, of Doylestown, given charge and it was dedicated the 21st day 
of June, 1903, with appropriate services and ceremonies. The build- 
ing is a modern structure and an ornament to the town. 

In 1898, during the pastorate of Mr. Hodgson, the Church 
celebrated its sixtieth anniversary. This took place in September and 
continued a week, opening on Sunday the iSth and closing on Sunday 
the 25th. The services began with a Love Feast at 9.30 A. M. and 
closed the following Sunday with two sermons, and an address by the 
Reverends Messrs. Groff, Fetter and Bergey of Doylestown, the 
closing sermon being by the Reverend W. L. McDowell, D. D. 
Each day and evening the services and exercises were of a somewhat 
different character On Monday evening, they were " Songs in the 
Night," by the Church choir, Tuesday, anniversary services by the 
Sunday School, Wednesday, a Reunion of former Pastors and Mem- 
bers, Thursday, exercises by the Senior and Junior Epworth League, 
etc. On each day and evening there were appropriate religious 
services. The occasion was one of great interest, the Church 
was appropriately decorated and attendance large. 

In 1835, the " L^nion Horse Company " was organized at Doyles- 
town, for the detection of horse theives and other villians. The first 
meeting was held in January, when the officers elected were General 
Samuel A. Smith, president, John D. James, Secretary, and otlier pre- 
liminary work transacted. The organization is still maintained in work- 
ing order, and the members eat their annual dinner at the Fountain 
House. 






|)oi)le0tottin, #lii anh Mm. 



XII 
A Prosperous Period. 

One of the most prosperious periods Doylestown had known, 
prior to the middle of the century, was from 1830 to 1840. Among 
the signs of prosperity, in these ten years, were the chartering and 
opening of a bank of discount and circulation, the organization of a 
Beneficial Society and the erection of a suitable building to conduct 
its affairs in, the charter of an Insurance Company and commencement 
of business, the incorporation of the village into a borough, the second 
in the county, two additional churches organized and erected. Friends' 
Meeting and Methodist Episcopal, and the erection of more than the 
usual number of dwellings and places of business, several of them 
brick. 

The Doylestown Bank, the first financial institution at the county 
seat, was opened in 1833. The first meeting, in its favor, was held 
at the court house Friday evening, December i, 1831, with Abraham 
Chapman in the chair, and Henry Chapman and William T. Rogers 
secretaries. Committees were appointed to look after the preliminary 
work, and the bill, introduced into the Legislature, became a law 
April 23, 1832, fixing the capital stock at $150,000, in shares of $50 
each. The commissioners, named to carry the act into effect, were 
John Pugh, Abraham Chapman, Samuel D. Ingham, John Fox, 
Elias Ely, Joseph Hough, Jesse Johnson, Samuel Yardley, Thomas 
Stewart, Samuel Hart and Abel H. James. A meeting to organize 
was held May 31, 1832, at William Field's tavern, the books for stock 
subscription were opened at the court house July 25, the whole 

96 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 97 

amount being taken in six days; the election for directors was held 
November 9, 1832, when the following persons were chosen: Abra- 
ham Chapman, John Robbarts, Benjamin Hough, Sr. , E. T. Mc- 
Dowell, Mahlon K. Taylor, Christian Clemens, John Blackfan, John 
T. Neeley, William T. Stokes, Timothy Smith, Samuel Kachline, 
Elias Ely, and Samuel Yardley, Jr. The board organized the same 
day at Worman's tavern, and Abraham Chapman was elected presi- 
dent, unanimously; Daniel Byrnes, of Wilmington, Del., cashier, and 
Mahlon Long, clerk. The bank notes were printed, meanwhile, by 
Draper, Underwood, Bald & Spencer, of Philadelphia, the vignets of 
the five dollar notes representing Justice and Mercy, the end margins 
being decorated with the likenesses of Franklin and Penn. 

The bank commenced business Jan 7, 1833, in the stone house 
of Samuel Nightingale on the south side of East State street, second 
door from Pine. It was fitted up temporarily, as the directors con- 
templated the erection of a new banking house. They shortly 
bought a lot on the west side of North Main street, next door above 
the Fountain House ; work begun as soon as spring opened, was 
under roof by July 22, and occupied in the fall. The bank occupied 
this building for sixty-five years, and, by careful management and 
strict integrity, grew in financial strength and importance. In 1847 
the stockholders accepted the extension of the charter authorized by 
the Legislature. In 1848 the bank building was considerably im- 
proved, inside and out, a part of the expense being born by Josiah 
Hart, the cashier, who then occupied the house part as a dwelling. 
At a .stockholders' meeting, January, 1848, Charles E. DuBois was 
elected president; Josiah Hart, cashier, and John J. Brock, clerk. 
Daniel Byrnes, the first cashier, died at Wilmington July 11, 1845, 
aged 79. 

The bank remained at its location on Main street until the autumn 
of 1897, when it removed to its new building at the crossing of Main 
and Court streets on the site of the Ross Mansion. This location 
was purchased at public sale, 1897, and on it was erected a handsome 
and unique building, 50 by 82 feet, and height from the ground 55 
feet. The site is one of the most eligible in the borough, facing 
Monument Place and flanked by the two most important streets in 
the village. The exterior walls are laid in red granite and Pompeian 
brick; the finish, inside and out, is of the most substantial character, 
while a massive vault contributes to the safety of the institution, 
modern improvements add to the comfort and conveniences of its 



98 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

officers. The banking room, 50 feet square, is not surpassed in the 
state. The following directors composed the board which authorized 
the new building : Eugene James, Watson F. Paxson, J. B. Rosen- 
berger, Dr. Harvey Kratz, Henry Lear, Rienzi Worthington, 
J. Simpson Large, John D. Walter, Samuel A. Firman and John L. 
DuBois and Mr. Lear President. The bank, meanwhile, had been a 
prosperous institution, and its acceptance of the Act of Congress, 
changing it to a National Bank, with authority to increase the capital 
to $300,000, added to its already large volume of business and broad- 
ened its usefulness. 

In its long life the bank has had but four Presidents and five 
Cashiers; of the first, were Abraham Chapman, Charles E. DuBois, 
George Lear and Henry Lear; and Cashiers, Daniel Byrnes, Josiah 
Hart, John J. Brock, Lewis P. Worthington and George P. Brock 
elected to succeed Mr. Worthington. 

Twenty-four years now elapsed before another financial institution 
made its appearance in Doylestown. This was in 1857, when Josiah 
Hart, George Hart, Richard Watson, William M. Large and Jonas 
Fretz commenced the banking business under the name of "J. 
Hart & Co., Bankers." They opened in the small frame on the 
east side of North Main street, formerly the law office of E. T. 
McDowell, Esq. , but the following year erected a new office on 
the same site. While this was being built, the business was 
carried on in the office of George Hart, Esq. , and the new build- 
ing was not occupied until about the close of the year. ' Watson 
Large and Fretz withdrew from the firm about 1863, and the 
business was continued by Josiah and George Hart until the 
latter' s death, 1875. John Hart a son of Josiah Hart, was now ad- 
mitted into the firm, and the business continued by them until 1882, 
when Frank Hart, another son of Josiah, became a partner. Josiah 
Hart died, 1885, but the sons carried it on until 1896, when they dis- 
continued the business started by the father, being wound up by the 
sons, after almost forty years. 

The Doylestown Beneficial Society was organized, September, 
1832, and incorporated by the Surpreme Court, 1834. Next to the 
Benevolent Lodge of Masons it was the the earliest organization on this 
or kindred lines, that appeared in the community. The officers were 
a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and messenger, " with 

I In the Democrat o\ December 8, 1858, J. Hart & Co. announce: "The 
subscribers have now moved into their new Banking House on Main street, &c." 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 99 

such other officers and Committees as the Society may see proper to 
appoint, from time to time by their By-Laws." The admission fee 
ranged from $1 at 21 years, to $5 from the age of 40 to 50. Fines 
were imposed for non-attendance, and surplus funds were invested at 
interest. It was the duty of the Stewards to visit the sick members 
and report to the Society. 

In 1844 the society erected a brick building on East State street, 
the same now occupied by the Masons. It was an imposing edifice 
for the times, the audience room having a seating capacity of about 
300. The building was dedicated to the uses for which it was erected 
on Christmas Eve, in the presence of a large audience, and the event 
was one of no mean importance. The hall was handsomely adorned 
with evergreen wreaths festooned around the walls, and about the 
chandaliers and windows. At the top of the stairway, at the entrance, 
was an arch nine feet high covered with evergreen; on the top of the 
arch was an eagle with a wreath of roses in his beak, on either side 
thirteen stars, in the rear resting on woodwork, thirteen beautiful 
evergreen wreathes interspersed with flowers, representing the original 
states. The Doylestown brass band furnished the music. 

The exercises consisted of reading a portion of the scripture, 
prayer, singing an ode, written by Samuel D. Patterson, of Norris- 
town, by a company of young ladies and gentlemen, followed by an 
address by the Reverend Silas M. Andrews. The room was filled, 
and everything passed off agreeably. After the dedication exercises 
were over, a fair was held in the basement, consisting of refreshments, 
etc. , the receipts for the benefit of the society, the refreshments being 
the gift of the ladies. On New Year's night, 1845, the brass band 
gave a concert in the hall for the benefit of the institute. 

The Society was a benefit to Doylestown in several ways, and, in 
a short time, the town was astonished it had done so long without it. 
Meetings of various kinds were held in the hall; it was a place for 
lectures and exhibitions, and there "Tom Thumb" made his first 
appearance before a Doylestown audience, May 4, 1849, and Signor 
Blitz, June 30, 1851, afternoon and evening. In this hall the 
Protestant Episcopal congreation held its meetings until their church 
was ready for occupation. In 1845, the trustees of the Institute 
arranged for a course of lectures in the hall during the fall and winter, 
the first lecture being delivered by Colonel John W. Forney, Satur- 
day evening, November 22, admission, ten cents. July 21, 1851, G. 



loo DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

L. Swift lectured in Beneficial hall, on " Electricity and Electro 
Magnetism" with various experiments. 

The Beneficial Society was quite prosperous until 1856, when 
old members dying off without a corresponding addition of new ones, 
it was thought best to wind up its affairs. This was done, and 
whatever was left, after paying the debts, was divided among the 
surviving members. Of the 77 members belonging to the Society in 
1854, it is not known that more than a half dozen are living, three 
being in Doylestovvn. Shortly after the Beneficial Society closed its 
affairs the building was bought by the Masonic Lodge. The late 
Generals, Wm. T. Rogers and John S. Bryan were among the most 
active members in organizing the Society. Prior to the erection of 
this building there was no place in Doylestown for holding public 
meetings, except in churches, or court house, that would accom- 
modate fifty persons. 

The following article, on Doylestown, appeared in the editorial 
column of the Saturday Evening Post, Philadelphia of October 12, 

1833: 

" A correspondent begs leave to observe that during a short ex- 
cursion into the country he spent a few days at Doylestown, in Bucks 
county, Pennsylvania, delightfully situ^ited on a commanding em- 
inence, where the air is pure and salubrious, and everything is of the 
most inviting kind. Society is refined, social and literary; and a most 
commendable spirit of enterprise and improvement was observable all 
over the village. There was in progress, a handsome Banking House, 
and nearly twenty very neat dwelling houses and other buildings. In 
passing up Court street soon after I entered the town, I observed 
(nearly opposite the Court House,) a conspicuous sign with the follow- 
ing inscription: 

CITIZENS TEMPERANCE HOUSE 
by Joseph Burrows. 

This house having a neat external appearance, I walked in, and 
found the interior to correspond with the exterior. Wishing to show 
my approbation, and encourage temperance Inns, for the accom- 
modation of travellers, I put up there. It bemg Court week, the 
house was nearly full of company, yet it was as quiet as a private 
dwelling. 

" Doylestovvn is becoming one of our handsomest inland villages, 
and a very desirable situation for gentlemen of fortune, who are seek- 
ing retirement from the busy scenes of a city life." 

The Doylestown Insurance Company organized 1835, was an 
outcome of the boom period. The Commissioners, named in the 
Act of Assembly to open books for subscription to stock, met at 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. loi 

Williams Field's tavern, Wednesday, May 6, to make arrangements 
for discharging their duty. The whole number of Commissioners 
was 171, but all were not present at this meeting. They agreed to 
meet to open the books at Field's on Thursday, June 4, the number 
of shares authorized being 3,000, at ten dollars each. The following 
names were signed to the notice for this meeting: John H. Anderson, 
Charles E. DuBois, William Carr, Charles H. Mathews, Caleb 
Foulke, Hugh B. Ely, James Kelley, E. T. McDowell and John S. 
Bryan. Two thousand shares were subscribed the first day, and the 
remainder the second. 

The meeting to elect a board of Directors was held at Field's 
tavern, July 8, when the following persons were chosen: Charles H. 
Mathews, Hugh B. Ely, Merrick Reeder, John H. Anderson, Morris 
Buckman, Michael H. Jenks, John Davis, Caleb Foulke and Charles 
E. DuBois. The board elected Charles H Mathews, president and 
William Watts, secretary. The Company immediately began bus- 
iness and had a successful career. The office at one time, was in the 
Dr. Rhodes dwelling east side of North Main street next door above 
the old Doylestown Trust Company building. Upon the death of 
William Watts, 1838, George Hart was appointed secretary, and 
wound up its affairs when the time came. This was the first Insurance 
Company in Doylestown, long before the day of the Mutual companies. 

Several attempts were made to incorporate Doylestown before 
that end was reached, the first in 1826, when a bill passed the Senate, 
but failed because boundaries were not given to the proposed borough. 
The second was in 1829, when several meetings were held but noth- 
ing came of it. The movement was renewed, 1830, at a meeting 
held at Henry SchoU's tavern.^ November 24, Abraham Chapman, 
Chairman and Charles E. DuBois, Secretary. On motion it was Re- 
solved : 

"That it is proper and expedient to incorporate the village of 
Doylestown," several committees were appointed among which were 
the following : 

"To fix the boundary and superintend the survey of the same : 

Josiah Y. Shaw, James S Rich, Enoch Harvey, John Pugh, and 
Charles E. DuBois. 

" To draw an act of incorporation:" Abraham Chapman, Timothy 
Smith, E. T. McDowell, Samuel Aaron and Samuel Yardley. 

"To draw a petition and circulate it:" Lester Rich, Samuel 

2 The court inn was a frame on the site of the Monument House. 



I02 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Kachline, Conrad Shearer, Benjamin Morris, Jr. , and George R. Grant- 
ham. 

The report of the committee, to survey and lay out the 
proposed borough, was made December 4, and adopted on the 9th, 
accompained by two drafts; one giving the courses and distances of the 
borough lines, the other the streets. The former gave the names of 
the landowners lying contiguous on either side as follows : Samuel 
Yardley, Enoch Harvey, Richard Riale, John Foulke, Timothy 
Smith, Francis B. Shaw, Christian Clemens, Josiah Y. Shaw, Abra- 
ham and John Gargas, Benjamin Morris, David Rodrock, Charles E. 
DuBois, William T. Rogers, Barton Stewart, Hugh Ferguson, James 
Clark, Abraham Chapman, Dr. Charles Meredith and Eleanor 
Preston. On the second draft the streets are laid out and their 
names given, one, only, bearing the name "street" the others called 
"roads" or "lanes. "3 At this meeting E. T. McDowell read the 
sections of the act of incorporation, and petitions were given the 
committee to get signatures.* A bill passed the House in February, 
1834, but got no farther, the opposition being too strong. 

There was now a lull of four years in the effort for incorporation, 
in the meantime the opposition being overcome. Application for a 
charter was renewed at the session of 1 837-' 38; passed without op- 
position and was approved by the Governor, April 16. It conferred 
upon the inhabitants of the village the usual corporate powers, to 
which a couple of supplements were added the two following years; one 
changing the corporate name, the other relative to elections. 

An election, to accept, or reject the act, was held at William 
Field's tavern, May 17, and the vote was nearly unanimous in its favor. 
On the following Monday, May 21, an election for borough ofificers 
was held at Leedom's tavern, with the following result: Chief Burgess, 
Abraham Chapman; Assistant Burgess, William Field; Council, Caleb 
E. Wright, Samuel A. Smith, Nathan Cornell, William Stokes, John 
B, Pugh, Asher D. Bennett, Nathaniel Hubbard, Moses Armstrong 
and Benjamin Vanluvenee, and Constable, Thomas Dungan. 

The first Council meeting was held in the Court house, June 25, 
1838, whereof Caleb E. Wright was elected president, and A. M. 

3 "Easton Road," the present Main street, " New Hope Road," now State 
street, " Dutch Lane," now Broad street, Court street, "Academy Lane," and 
the present York street was called " Front street." 

4 The original drafts were found a few years ago, by the late H. C. Taylor, 
among the papers of Josiah Y. Shaw his grandfather. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 103 

Griffith, clerk. At this meeting four ordinances were adopted, the 
first naming the streets, viz : " Maine street, Green street, York 
street. State street. East street. West street, Broad street, Pine street. 
Court street. Church street. Mechanics street and Garden alley." 
The lines and grades of the streets were established by J. Gillingham 
Fell, a civil engineer, who boarded at the time, with C. E. Wright, 
his brother-in-law who lived at the southwest corner of Court and 
Broad streets, which C. H. Magill now owns and lives in. 

Of the other ordinances, the second related to horses, cattle, 
sheep and swine running at large, the third to dogs and the fourth for 
the "prevention of shows and other nuisances in the borough of 
Doylestown." The latter ordinance has been amended to death or 
allowed to lay a dead letter on the statue book. Josiah Y. Shaw was 
the second president of Council. 






XIII 
Doylcstown a Summer Resort. 

Our county capital turned into the forties in much better shape 
than it entered the thirties. The improvements, the past ten years, 
were unusual for a country village despite the fact it was the county 
seat, and made it more desirable as a permanent or temporary res- 
idence. Our newspapers, ever faithful chroniclers of the town's at- 
tractions, never hesitate to sound its praise and invite strangers to 
visit it. 

The Democrat of July 7, 1841, made a pathetic appeal to the 
people of Philadelphia to come and spend the summer at Doylestown, 
and names the ways of getting from and back to the city. There were 
four Hues of stages: one daily up the turnpike; a second over the same 
route; a third connecting at Bristol with the steamboat and thence to 
Doylestown, via Hulmeville and Newtown; and the fourth connecting 
with the railroad at Norristown, the only rail travel within reach, and 
by stage via Centre and Montgomery Squares. The article concludes: 

"The town is handsomely improved, affording, in most of the 
streets, delightful shady walks; a beautiful promenade in the public 
grounds; and we have first rate ice creams and mineral waters, not 
exceeded even by the Chestnut street venders. Our landlords, we 
know, have a few spare well-furnished rooms, and we have no doubt, 
would do all in their power to render city visitors very comfortable 
and at very reasonable prices. Those who prefer private board can be 
accommodated. ' ' 

The Democrat of July 19, 1843 repeats its invitation for the city 

104 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 105 

folk to come out and spend the heated term among their country 
cousins : 

" We present an annual invitation to our Philadelphia friends to 
come up and breathe the pure atmosphere of the hill during the sum- 
mer heat. If retirement from care and bustle be the desired object in a 
rural retreat, here is quiet; if enfeebled by heated and impure air, ours 
is healthy; if the country is sought for exercise, we have drives, little 
fishing and small game. What in fact is not good in the country! 
Air and rain, food and feeling, heaven and earth, all is fresh and 
animated." 

These appeals were not in vain. At that period the seaside mount- 
ain and lake system of resorts had not been invented, and, when 
people desired to escape the summers' heat of the city, they visited 
the near by resorts in the country, which they could reach by stage, 
the only way of getting there. The Doylestown hotels, for several 
years, were crowded with city boarders, and the village gay with 
company. A pleasant class of people resorted here. Among the 
strangers, from a distance, who came in the summer were James Gordon 
Bennett, of the New York Herald, and wife. They were here two or 
three seasons, boarding at the " Doylestown Hotel," now the Fountain 
House. About this period Doylestown was quite a resort, and the 
newspapers did much to induce strangers to come here. The Biicks 
County Intelligencer sang the borough's praises by saying: " Who has 
not heard of the Vale of Cashmere sings the poet; who has not heard of 
Doylestown?" The praises of the village are then sung in varied 
strains, one of its chiefest virtues being that "The stage runs daily 
and weekly through the borough to Philadelphia and Easton, besides 
we are incorporated and have a vigilant police." Again : 

" We do not mean to boast of the many inducements held out in 
the way of rural scenery, fine hunting and fishing grounds, elegant 
drives, fine accommodations at cheap rates, pure water for the 
temperate, mint and ice for those who live upon vegetable diet, etc. 
Suffice it to say we hold an elevated position, as a resort for city folks. 
Come up and see." 

As the decade came in, literature had new attractions for a class of 
her people. In November, 1840, a Society, called the " Doylestown 
Institute," was organized for the purpose of " public lecturing during 
the winter ; " C. E. DuBois, Esq. was elected president, Reverends 
S. M. Andrews and Samuel Nightingale, vice presidents and John 
Robinson, secretary. How this succeeded, we have no means of 



io6 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

telling. Literary matters took something of a spurt about this time, 
and in the Doylestown Democrat of December 8, 1841, under the 
head of " Our Borough; its Literary Aspects," the following appeared: 

" The Literary Association," Auxiliary to the National Society 
of Literature and Science, the Central Society being located in New 
York. The Auxiliary, in Doylestown, was founded on a "Library of 
Reviews and Magazines:" 

"The Doylestown Lectures," the Reverend Samuel Nightingale, 
president; "Female Library Society" in connection with the 
Presbyterian church, the library being kept in the church, about 
600 volumes : 

" Mechanics Institute," C. H. Mann, Secretary; 

" Mechanics Debating Society; " 

" Union Academy," in which a classical school is kept by John 
Robinson, and two common schools, one by Miss Sharpless and the 
other by Miss Hibbs; 

"The Ingham Female Seminary," an incorporated institution, 
for boarding and day pupils under the care of Dr. C. Soule Cartee 
and wife, and connected with it, is a cabinet of minerals and other 
curiosities, and a valuable school library; two select Boarding Schools 
for boys; one kept by George Murray and the other by the Reverend 
S. M. Andrews." 

In addition to the above are the " Beneficial Society," designed 
to afford relief to its members, and their families in case of sickness, 
&c. Also two "Temperance Societies," one the "Mechanics' Tem- 
perance" Society, whose members are mechanics and laboring men. 

A military encampment was held at Doylestown in August, 1843, 
on what was subsequently the grounds of the Doylestown Agricultural 
and Mechanics' Institute. The turnout of troops was good and attend- 
ance large. This will be referred to at greater length in a subsequent 
chapter. 

The Democratic celebration in Doylestown, January 8, 1845, 
the thirtieth anniversary of the American victory at New Orleans 
over the British army, was a typicial one. There was a procession at 
noon, marshalled by Colonel Isaiah James, followed by a meeting in 
the Court house, where A. M. Griffith, Esq., read the "Kentucky 
Resolutions of 1798," and Colonel Reah Frazer, of Lancaster, 
delivered an oration; in the evening there was a banquet at the Man- 
sion house. Dr. Charles H. Mathews, presiding, number of toasts 
were drunk, among them the following: By Horatio G. Sickel: 




CHARLES H. MANN. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 107 

Thomas Dorr, "May the same power which sent down food to the 
children of Israel, cause the chains of slavery to drop from his limbs." 

W. W. H. Davis: " Democracy, may its benign rays be felt in 
the body politic like the enlivening- influence of the summer's rain 
on parched vegetations, and a stranger gave the toast of the evening:" 
' ' Woman, First in the kitchen, first in the parlor, first in the arms 
of her countrymen." 

On the death of Andrew Jackson, 1845, the Doylestown Grays 
and Beneficial Institute passed resolutions of national condolance and 
the Reverend Dallas D. Lore, pastor of the Methodist church, 
delivered an eulogy on the General's life and character. 

The setting up and operating a magnetic telegraph instrument at 
Doylestown, 1845-6, was for this conservative community, "some- 
thing new under the sun " to every body. Work on a telegraph line, 
between New York and Norristown, via Doylestown, was begun in 
September, Alfred Goell, the agent and principal engineer of the 
company, was here early in the month, examining the proposed route 
across the peninsula, and inviting proposals for supplying white oak and 
chestnut poles to string the wires on, requring 27 poles to the mile. 
This was a section of the first telegraph line between New York and 
Washington, and was expected to have been finished by the loth of 
November, but was not. Mr. Goell was assisted by James L. Shaw, 
of Doylestown. 

At that early day it was called the " Magnetic telegraph." On 
Wednesday, January 7, 1846, the batteries were set up in Doylestown, 
and in operation by nine the next morning and messages transmitted. 
This was the first transmission of messages in the county, and probably 
in the Delaware-Schuylkill peninsula, as it was the earliest line built 
across it. It attracted great interest, and there was no little excite- 
ment. When the first replies over the wires, -in response to a mes- 
sage were received, there were not a few who declared the whole thing 
a " darned humbug, an effort to impose on country people." 

This was a test of the wires, which were copper, as it was 
thought at that early day, no other metal would carry the electric 
current. The experiments were entirely successful and the line was 
pushed forward as rapidly as possible. The batteries set up in Doyles- 
town were placed in a front room facing State street of the Mansion 
house, south-west corner of Main and State streets, then kept by 



In Philadelphia, June 18, 1846, John Clemens, of Doylestown, to Emma, 
daughter of William Heiss, of the Northern Liberties of Philadelphia. 



io8 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Thomas Sands, and now a bakery into which it was altered the walls 
being the same. 

The batteries were removed to Lambertville, N. J. the following 
Saturday. Alfred Goell of whom we have spoken, was a Russian by 
birth and a pet of Postmaster General Amos Kendall. He sub- 
sequently built several telegraph lines, among others that from 
Philadelphia to Wilkesbarre, via Doylestown. This was in 1848. 

The first telephone made its appearance in Doylestown, 1 878-' 79, 
being an improvised apparatus made in Philadelphia and experimented 
upon by Silas A. Selser. He had charge of ihe Western Union line 
here, and made some experiments between that office, in the Biller- 
beck building, South Main Street, and Taylor & Hulshizer's drug 
store, in Lenape building. Seeing it was successful, Selser tried it 
with Thos. T. Frazer, operator at Quakertown. The only instrument 
at that time was the receiver, which, for this purpose, was used both 
as transmitter and receiver, and operated without a battery. On Sun- 
day afternoons, when business was slack, Selser and Frazer "cut 
out" the Western Union wires, connected their phone and did their 
talking. Sometimes Selser, who was something of a musician, would 
delight Frazer with sacred music or solos on the cornet. One after- 
noon, these telephoners were startled by a third voice, " chipping in." 
This alarmed the illict phoners, who thought the Western Union 
was on their track, and the rival company went out of business. It 
was afterward discovered the unknown voice was the Lansdale 
operator.' On the evening of January 19, 1899, when all danger from 
discovery had passed, Mr. Selser gave an exhibition of the work of the 
first telephone in Doylestown, in the lecture room of St. Paul's 
Episcopal church. 

Among the literary socities that came into being in the borough, 
in 1846, was the " Doylestown Scientific and Literary Institute." It 
met in the hall of the Beneficial Institute, and the author remembers 
attending debates there. The following question was advertised 
to be discussed on the evening of March 27, '46: " Did the wars of 
the Holy Crusades prove beneficial to Europe?" As the Reverend 
S. M. Andrews lectured before the Institute, that evening, the debate 
was postponed. 

The breaking out of the Mexician war, May 1846, created some 
excitement at Doylestown, especially in military circles. Charles H. 

I Doylestown Republican, January 18, 1899. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 109 

Mann had recently been elected captain of the Doylestown Grays,' 
a crack company of the village. On May 27, the Governor issued 
his proclamation for the formation of six regiments of infantry, to 
await any call that might be made upon the state. The Grays met at 
the Academy, Monday evening June i, and took immediate steps to 
get ready to offer its services. The company was reorganized and 
regular drills instituted. During the summer and early fall, there 
was much activity among the members of the Grays, and squad and 
company drills were frequent. A favorite place of drill was on the 
broad brick pavement in front of the Court house, and some nights 
kept up to a late hour. One of the youngest recruits was Charles C. 
Cox, a Doylestown youth of fourteen, who afterwards saw actual 
service in the Civil war as Adjutant of an Ohio regiment. Dr. George 
T. Harvey, a Lieutenant in the Grays, was one of the most active, 
opening recruiting offices at New Hope, Newtown and Atdeborough, 
now Langhorne. The author was appointed second sergeant, and did his 
best to keep up his end of the line. When the President called on 
Pennsylvania for two regiments of Infantry to serve during the war, a 
strong effort was made to have the Grays accepted, but the offer of 
the Company was too late, the requisition had been filled. This was 
a sad disappointment to our embryo heroes, but several of them had 
an opportunity to test their metal in the Civil war. Two of our 
young men saw service in the Mexican war.3&4 

Sergeant Davis, of the Guards, who had entered Harvard 
College about the first of September, 1846, enlisted in the Massachu- 
setts regiment and went out as Colonel Gushing' s Adjuant, serving 
to the close of the war. Before his regiment sailed, he came home to 
bid good bye to his family and friends and, while here, the Grays 
presented him a handsome dress sword, the affair taking place 
in Beneficial Hall, Saturday afternoon, January 31. Dr. Charles 
H. Mathews made the presentation speech, the recipient 
making a response. Dr. Mathews said in part: " Lieutenant 
Davis: Sir, On behalf of the officers and members of the Doylestown 
Grays, I have the honor to present this token of their regard, on 



2 The Doylestown Grays laid aside that name, for the Doylestown Guards, 
by virtue of on Act of Legislature, of March 16, 1847. 

3 At Perote, Mexico, June 3, 1847, while a soldier in the United States 
Army, William Day, formely of Doylestown. 

4 At Pueblo, Mexico, August 24, 1847, while a soldier in the United States 
Army, William H. Harvey, son of Mary Harvey, of Doylestown, in his 25th 
year. 



no DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

your depature for the seat of war. Had their services been accepted 
by the Government, when offered, you would have shared with them 
the privations and honors of a manly struggle for the nation's right. 
When you found that both regiments from Pennsylvania were full, 
and your own company not included, from a sense of duty, and an 
ardent love of country, you united with the volunteers of another 
state. Permit me here, sir, to congratulate you on the honorable 
position which has been conferred upon you, by the distinguished 
commander of the Massachusetts regiment, and with them you go to 
the scene of trial." 

In reply, Lieutenant Davis said, among other things: 
"The honor, which you have this day conferred upon me, in 
presenting this sword in the name of the " Doylestown Grays," 
is as unexpected as it is gratifying. I cannot flatter myself that it is 
deserved from any merit of my own, but only given on account of the 
deep interest you feel in the cause in which I have the honor to be en- 
gaged — the cause of our common country. 

" It would have been my pride and pleasure to have marched to 
the scene of strife with my friends and neighbors; to have stood 
shoulder to shoulder with my companions in arms. But the 
force of circumstances ordered it otherwise, and it was not until 
I saw there was no chance of the Grays participating in the glorious 
struggle, that I enrolled my name in the Massachusetts regiment. 
I see nothing wrong in fighting in the ranks of another state when all 
are engaged in the same great cause. In the Revolution, Massachu- 
setts and Pennsylvania stood side by side in defense of their 
Country's liberties, and the bones of their sons now mingle in the 
same grave upon many a well-fought field." 

* :1' ;l; * :=K * * 

" Allow me, gentlemen of the " Grays " to bid you an affecti- 
onate farewell, and, although my field of action will be distant from 
you, I will still hold in grateful rememberance the manifestation of 
esteem and friendship you, this day, have shown toward me." 

The sword was made expressly for the recipient and bears the 
following incription: " Presented, by the officers and members of the 
Doylestown Grays, to their fellow member, Lieutenant W. W. H. 
Davis, on his departure for the seat of war, January 30, 1847." 
The hall was filled with people of both sexes. 

The death of Ex-President John Quincy Adams, who died in 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. iii 

April, 1848, was properly noticed by the Doylestown Beneficial 
Institute, which passed appropriate resolutions of respect, the Revd. 
Heman Lincoln, pastor of the New Britain Baptist Church, delivering 
an eulogy on his character and public services in the Hall of the In- 
stitute on the evening of April the 8th. 

Notwithstanding Doylestown sent no troops into the field, during 
the Mexican war, her citizens were not unmindful of their duty to the 
indigent families of the soldiers who went from other parts of the state. 
When called upon them they contributed $125.50, as follows : John 
Fox, $10; John White, $2; C. H. Mann, $5; John Clemens, $5; John 
S. Bryan, $5; C. H. Mathews, $5; W. T. Rogers, $5; James Hibbs, 
$5; S. L. Roberts, $5; A. J. Paxson, $5; C. E Wright. $5; John 
Lloyd, $5; S. A. Smith, $5; Wm. Percey, $5; Joseph Young, $2; 
Jno. Mangle, $5; George Lear, $5; William Beck, $5; Dr. Hendrie, 
$5; Jos. Harvey, $5; Chas. E. DuBois, $5; Jas. Cummings, $5; Joel 
Vasey, $1; B. Gregg, 50c; Jos. Sands, $1; Wm. Kachline, $1; M. 
Yardley, $2; Theadore Kinsey, $1; Thos. Ross, $5, amounting in the 
whole $125.50. At the bottom of the subscription list was the follow- 
ing : " Received of J. Fox, by C. E. DuBois." The author had a 
personal acquaintance with each of these thirty subscribers, all of 
whom died long since. 

As a sample of the martial poetry at the breaking out of the war 
with Mexico, we insert the following : 

SONG 

OF THB 

CADWALLADER GRAYS. 



BY THOMAS P. RAKESTRAW. 



Tune — " Boatman Dance.'" 

Sweet peace has left our land at last, 
The clouds of war are gathering fast. 
Each musketeer and gallant Ranger, 
Must spring to arms and scorn the danger ; 

Then charge ! my brave ones, charge ! 

Upon the foe we'll charge ; 

We'll fight all day till the sky turns gray. 

And sleep on our arms till the morniug. 

Heigh ho ! we'll march and go, \ r> j, f 
On our route to Mexico. j ^^P^'^^- 

Our Northern bands are hard and tough. 
We fear not storms or weather rough — 
Each heart is high for battle frays ; 
We come, the fighty Caddie Grays. 

Then charge ! my brave^ones, charge, &c. 



112 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Each leaves his cahn and peaceful home, 
At duty's call afar to roam — 
B}^ mountains paths and torrents roar, 
Resistless on the foe we'll pour. 
Then charge, &c. 

W'^hen o'er the Southern plains afar, 
We ur.<;e the horrid front of war, 
1 .et mercy still our actions crown, 
That we may win a high renown. 
Then charge, &c. 

Oh ! never strike a fallen foe, 
The fate of battle lays him low — 
Or let a female shrink with fear, 
And name us witli the Buccaneer. 
Then charge, &c. 

Let honor shine upon each crest. 
And plant it deeply in each breast; 
We fight our country's rights to urge. 
And prove her justice by our charge. 
Then charge, &c. 

The Doylestovvn Guards took part in the pubHc reception, Phila- 
delphia gave the Pennsylvania Volunteers, on their return from the 
Mexican war, July 24, 1848. They went to the city in wagons, and 
brought home with them Sergeant Peter Opp, who had served in the 
1st Pennsylvania Regiment. On reaching Doylestovvn the Mexican 
veteran was given a formal reception. 

Prior to this period, a cemetery for burying the general public, 
was a long felt want at Doylestovvn, the only grave yards here being 
those belonging to the Presbyterian and Methodist churches, the 
former opened for interment February 28, 1815, the latter, 1838. 
The increasing demand for a public cemetery took shape November 
I. 1849, by William T. Rogers, Charles E. DuBois, John S. Brown, 
Samuel Johnson Paxson and the Reverend Silas M. Andrews, 
purchasing, at public sale, ten acres of land on the ridge just north- 
east of the village, within the borough limits and facing Coiu't street. 
The situation is beautiful, commanding an extensive view of the 
surrounding country with a dry, sandy soil. It was laid out at once 
and improvements begun. When one hundred lots were subscribed 
for, a charter was obtained March 22, 1850. The incorporators now 
met and organized by the election of General Rogers, president; Rev. 
Silas M. Andrews, secretary and treasurer and Charles E. DuBois, 
solicitor. The board completed its work by laying o.ut and opening 
streets and planting trees, s In 1870 a plot of ground adjoining, and 

5 The first interment, in the Doylestown cemetery, took place on Saturday, 
January 4, 1851, being the body of a Mr. Trueman who died at Manayunk. 




WILLIAM T. ROGERS. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 113 

about the same size, was purchased for a similar purpose and incor- 
porated under the name of "Hope Cemetery," the incorporators 
being Dr. O. P. James, Henry D. Livezey, N. P. Brower, Davis E. 
Brower and N. C. James. These two cemeteries were conducted 
separately until August 25, 1893, when their interests were made one 
by the Hope conveying its real estate and franchises to the Doyles- 
town cemetery for the consideration of $4,000. Since that time the 
grounds have been much improved and beautified by the erection 
of monuments and other memorials. Few villages in the state have 
a more sightly burial place, or with a better location. In i8go, the 
surplus, in the hands of the treasurer, amounted to $16,000, and the 
fund is to be kept intact until the interest will meet the expenses. 

The spirit of improvement, in the forties, was creditably main- 
tained, and, among the most notable dwellings erected, were those 
of Henry Chapman, 1844, northwest corner of Main and Broad 
streets, Stokes L. Roberts, on the south side of East Court, second 
door from Broad, the same year, and that of John B. Pugh, corner 
of East Court and Printer's alley, the latter now owned by Hugh B. 
Eastburn. Into each of these new dwellings young brides were taken, 
and all are deceased except Mrs. Roberts. 

An occasional visitor at Doylestown, in the forties, to call on his 
college mate, Edward J. Fo.x, was George Northrop, of Philadelphia. 
He read law with George M. Dallas, admitted 1845, and was in 
practice fifty years, dying, 1896. He was a lawyer of great ability 
and an influential citizen; was a member of Council, candidate for 
Congress, 1864, against William D. Kelley, and subsequently a 
candidate for City Solicitor. The charm of Mr. Northrop was his 
personal qualities. 



i(r^ 



|)oi)lei3itonin, ©ID anh Item. 



XIV 
The Stage and The Mails. 

While a complete history of the stage and mail routes into, 
through, and from Doylestown in the past, connecting with the out- 
side world, would make a volume of itself, we have only collected 
material enough for a single chapter. The reader will find the subject 
briefly alluded to elsewhere. 

The first stage through Doylestown, coming down the Easton 
road from the Forks of Delaware, and continuing down to Philadelphia, 
was put on April 29, 1792 by John Nicholaus. ' It made weekly 
trips, down on Monday and returning on Thursday, fare $2. He 
probably died at Easton, 1807, and was succeeded by his son Samuel, 
who moved down to Danboro to take charge of the stages. In the 
spring of 1794, Lawrence Erb, Easton, put on a stage to Philadelphia 
with the same running time and fare, allowing each passenger ten 
pounds of baggage. It ran through Doylestown and changed horses 
at Craig's tavern four miles below, stopping over night at Jenkintown 
going down, and at Abraham Driesbach's, Stony Point, returning. 

While the Easton road was the direct route from the lower Dela- 
ware to the Lehigh, the earliest stages between these two points ran up 
the Bethlehem road. The first " stage wagon," of this line, was that 
of George Klein, put on 1763, and continued running until relieved 
by railroads.. One of the drivers, almost seventy-five years ago, was 



I Was Nicholaus, the stage proprietor, a relative of Johann Nicholaus 
Wellerhatt, who arrived at Philadelphia, Oct. 22, 1754, in the ship Halifax, 
Thomas Coatman, captain? 

114 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 115 

John Feuerbend, a soldier of Napoleon, who survived the Russian 
campaign to die in the Northampton Alms House, 1874. 

One of these stage lines left Betiilehem every Thursday and Mon- 
day morning at 5 o'clock by the following route: breakfast at the house 
of William Posten, dine at the house of Charles Stewart, Doylestown, 
where there was a change of horses; then proceeded to the house of 
William McCalla, Jenkintown, and arrived the same evening at the 
house of George Lesher, North Second street, Philadelphia. John 
Brock and Charles Stewart, Doylestown, were two of the proprietors 
of this line of stages. It carried the mail, but there was no post office 
at Doylestown. 

There was a semi-weekly stage from Philadelphia, through Doyles- 
town to Bethlehem as early as 1800, fare $2.75, stopping at Stewart's 
tavern for dinner. We do not know when it was taken off, but it ran 
for a number ot years. In 1822, Samuel Nicholaus was succeeded by 
James Reeside, the great " Land Admiral," as he was called, Nicho- 
laus probably selling out to him. Reeside formed a partnership with 
Jacob Peters, and subsequently with Samuel and John Shouse, Easton. 
He placed new Troy coaches on the road, the first in this section of 
country. The line was continued down to the completion of the 
Belvidere- Delaware railroad, 1854.^ A line of daily stages was running 
from Philadelphia, through Doylestown to Easton, Bethlehem and 
AUentown, in 1828. We do not know how long they ran, but were 
taken off prior to 1853, when passengers, wishing to go from Doyles- 
town to Bethlehem, took a cross-country stage to Montgomery Square 
and there made the connection. 

We cannot learn of any local stage line, between Doylestown and 
Philadelphia, prior to the removal of the county seat, 181 3, and do 
not believe there was one, but it had not long been the county's 
capital before a local stage line was put on. May 17, 18 13, John 
Brunner commenced running the "Doylestown Coachee " twice a 
week, down Monday and Thursday returning Wednesday and Satur- 
day, fare $i.37j4 each way. It started from Mathew Hare's " Ship " 
tavern, site of Lenape Building. In 18 17 the line fell into the hands 
of Joel Doane when the route was extended to the Cross Keys, a mile 



2 In 1S24, the stage on the Easton route left the old road at the Harrow 
tavern, forty miles from Philadelphia, and struck the River road eleven miles 
below Easton. The post office, called "Spring Mills," was sometime dis- 
continued but re-established under the name of Monroe, and John Johnson re- 
appointed postmaster. This place is now called Lehnensburg after Mathias 
Lehnen, an officer in the 104th regiment, Civil war. 



ii6 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

above Doylestown with the same running time, stopping on the wa)/- 
down at the Indian Queen, Doylestown. In September, 1818, the 
"Coachee" was bought by Jonathan Michener, starting from Kohl's 
tavern, making three round trips a week, leaving Monday, Wednes- 
day and Friday. In 18 19, Ephraim Fenton became the proprietor, 
and the name was changed to the "Doylestown Stage." Fenton 
drove and the fare was reduced to $1.25. The stopping place, in 
Philadelphia, was at John Dungan's Buck tavern, Second street, 
leaving there at 9 a. m. and reaching Doylestown at 3 p. m. The 
" Coachee " was still running in 1826 when it is lost sight of. 

In 1827 a new line, between Philadelphia and Easton, was put on 
by John Moore & Co. starting from the Rotterdam hotel. No. 24 
N. 4th street, running daily, Sundays excepted, leaving at 6 a. m. 
reaching Easton at 6 p. m., fare $3.00, and $1.25 to Doyles- 
town, breakfast at Jenkintown and dinner at Ottsville. Returning, the 
stage left Easton at 5 a. m., reaching Philadelphia 5 p. m., breakfast 
at Monroe and dinner at Willow Grove. Latteral lines connected 
with this stage at several points. The fare was reduced to $2.00 
in 1829. 

The "Doylestown Coachee" had not been long running before it 
met with opposition, called the "Doylestown Pilot," starting from 
Frederick Nicholson's tavern at the same hour, eight o'clock. On 
August 30, 1830, the Pilot commenced running three times a week, 
starting from the same place, the Indian Queen, then kept by Israel 
and Alexander McCalla, and occupying the present site of the Doyles- 
town National Bank. In 1823 Shaw and Evans put on the Doyles- 
town post coach three times a week to Philadelphia and back; start- 
ing from Jacob Kohl's Bucks County Inn, stopping in the city at 
John Dungan's Buck tavern. The route was via Hartsville, Hatboro, 
Willow Grove, etc. etc. Fare $1.25. In November, 1826, another 
new line was started to the city run by the "Proprietor" setting out 
from the " Court Inn," site of the Monument House; clown Monday 
and Thursday and up Tuesday and Saturday. 

In 1829, an additional line to Philadelphia was put on, leaving 
Kohl's tavern Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 8 a. m., via Mont- 
gomery Square, North Wales Meeting House, Spring House, Chest- 
nut Hill and Germantown, returning next day. Kohl was the Doyles- 
town agent. The same year, in June, a new stage proprietor appears, 
William Field, subsequently sherif? and otherwise prominent in the life 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 117 

of Doylestown. At this time he kept the "Green Tree" tavern, 
corner of Main and Broad streets. This line ran between Dovles- 
town and New York, daily, via New Hope and New Brunswick, 
leaving here at 3.30 a. m. and reaching New York early in the after- 
noon, fare through $2.12}^. This was Doylestown's first direct 
communication with New York. How long it lasted is not known. 
In 1S30, a line of stages was established between New York and 
Pottsville via New Brunswick, New Hope Doylestown, Montgomery- 
ville, &c. 

This was a period of great activity in staging : new lines were 
frequently put on and opposition was rife. The tavern keepers did 
much to stimulate these enterprises as each new line brought custom 
to some one's hostelry. In 1832, William Field, then keep- 
ing the "Citizen's House," commenced running a line of "Post 
Coaches" between Doylestown and Philadelphia via Hartsville, fare 
$1.25, every other day. 

The same year, in March, a new line was put on between Phila- 
delphia and Easton, but not up the Easton road, giving Doylestown 
the go by. The proprietors were George Vogel, Philadelphia, who 
kept a tavern on Second street between Market and Arch, Melchior 
Horn, of Easton and Hugh Moyer and Co. They were daily "Post 
Coaches" and ran via Frankford, Holmesburg, Hulmeville, Newtown 
and Dolington, striking the River road at Brownsburg and con- 
tinuing up it to their destination. 

William Field embarks a second time in a staging enterprise, 
1832, putting on a direct line to Philadelphia via, Newville, Hartsville, 
Hatboro, Willow Grove and Jenkintown, leaving Doylestown 
Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8 a. m., reaching Philadelphia in 
time to dine. This shortened the time a little, showing there was 
progress. In February, 1833, one P. Luciani commenced running a 
line of post coaches from Doylestown to Philadelphia, via New Hope, 
Hartsville, Hatboro and Jenkintown, leaving Pettitt's tavern, now the 
Fountain House, and stopping at Mrs. Marple's sign of the Buck, 
Philadelphia. This was probably an opposition to Field's line of 1832. 

In May, 1834, the "Pioneer and Metamora line of Post Coaches" 
commenced running from Stephen Brock's tavern, Doylestown, every 
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, leaving at 6 a. m., via Colonel 
Wilkinson's, 5 Pineville to Bristol, where the passengers took boat for 

3 Centreville. 



ii8 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

New York, via Trenton, and for Philadelphia. O. H. Cadwallader 
& Co. were proprietors. 

In all these local lines not one of them penetrated the German 
townships — and their only stage connection with the county seat, at 
that day, was by the Easton stage. Post riders with cross mails 
subsequently went into that section of the country, carrying both 
newspapers and letters, and when the people wished to visit the 
county seat they came by their own conveyance. 

On the completion of the railroad from Philadelphia to Norris- 
town, 1835, a new line of stages was put on by William Field in an 
efTort to shorten the time to the city. This was the first stage between 
Doylestown and Norristown, and called the " Citizen's Line," leaving 
here at 7.30 and reaching Philadelphia in time for dinner. 

Probably the most famous stage line, between Doylestown and 
Philadelphia, was that known as the "High Grass Line," established 
by Benjamin F. Clark, in June 1837. It was an "Accomodation 
Line," if that means anything, and ran into the early Fifties and 
probably until the N. Penn. railroad was opened in 1856. Its original 
route was down the Easton road to Newville; then down the Bristol 
road to Hartsville and thence to the city via the York road. In 
after years it ran down and back on the Easton road. It 
left Doylestown on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and Gil- 
bert's hotel, to return, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 
8 a. m. reaching Doylestown in time for dinner. At first the fare 
each way was $1.25, but reduced to 75c in 1845. This was probably 
the first stage that made the round trip to the city from Doylestown 
in a day, beginning August i, 1839, 

"Benny" Clark, as the proprietor and driver was familiarly 
called, was an interesting character and popular. The line got its 
name from Clark calling out to his horses, now and then, "Get out 
of the high Grass!" Clark, occasionally, unsettled the nerves of his 
female passengers by saying to his horses: "Now run away and kill 
another driver won't you?" He was then plied with questions to 
know when, how and where the awful catastrophy happened, and 
"Benny" had to explain to quiet the fears he had aroused. Recently 
we came into possession of a way bill of the "High Grass Line," of 
July 9, 1846, on its up trip. There were eleven passengers at 75c 
each, making $8.25, viz: Mrs. Philip Rich, Henry Sprick, Mrs. 



DOYLESTOWN. OLD AND NEW. 119 

Fox,< Mrs. Hulse, Miss Murray, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Sharpless, Mrs. 
Shunk,5 Miss Malone and Miss Shunk.^ Clark is deceased many 
years. 7 

In 1840 a new stage was put on between Doylestown and Phila- 
delphia by William Frazer, running via Newtown and Bristol, thence 
by boat, leaving Benjamin Morris' tavern site of Lenape building, 
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, reaching Philadelphia the next day. 
Fare $1.00. 

On intermediate days the stage ran to New Hope and back. 
This line was short lived. In April, 1844, Shelmire^ and Peters, the 
latter a celebrated stage proprietor, began running the "Citizens Line" 
from Doylestown to Philadelphia on the Easton road, the firm chang- 
ing to Shelmire and Crawford the next spring. The same year, 
1845, William Price put on a line to Philadelphia via Norristown and 
the railroad, starting from George H. Wyker's Court inn. The fare 
was 75c. 

In 1848 Shelmire put on a new line of stages down the turnpike 
to Philadelphia, starting from' the Citizen's House, Court and Pine 
streets, kept by A. R. Krani, and putting up at Marmaduke Watson's 
Barley Sheaf, Second below Vine. The following summer, William 
Price put on a coach between Lumberville and Philadelphia, via 
Doylestown and Norristown, and from the latter place, by rail. In 
June, 1 85 1 D. W. C. Callender ran a stage between Doylestown and 
Lambertville, N. J. then by rail to Philadelphia. This line fell into 
the hands of John Weikel,9 in July, who made a connection with 
Philadelphia and New York. The fare was reduced to 75c, and was 
never so low between these points before or since. There was one 
other stage that ran for several years between Doylestown and Phila- 

4 Wife of Judge Fox. 

5 and 6 Widow and daughter oi the late Governor Shunk. Miss Sharpless 
lived in Doylestown. 

7 Among the drivers of the local stage lines, between Doylestown and 
Philadelphia, was John Servis, a worthy man who lived here with his family. 
His son Harry, driver of the express wagon several years, died here. 

8 Daniel Shelmire kept the hotel at Jenkintown for many years, removing 
there from the Black Btar, Richboro this county. He was an agreeable court- 
eous man and very popular. 

9 John Weikel lived several years, at that period at Doylestown, some of 
the time proprietor of a livery stable, and at one time keeping a tavern. He 
owned a handsome pair of gray match horses, which were much in favor with 
young men when they wished to take their "best girl" to a picnic. 



I20 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

delphia that should not be overlooked, that driven by "Joe" Lewis, '° 
and we beheve down to the opening of the North Penn raih'oad in the 
iall of 1856. He was an accommodating driver and well liked. He 
spent the last years of his life in Philadelphia and died there about 
1890. The stages of "Benny" Clark and "Joe" Lewis were probably 
the last of the old coaches that carried passengers from Doylestown 
to Philadelphia, and were superseded by the railroad. 

In the 40' s, and probably earlier and later, the Easton stage came 
into Doylestown at the sound of the driver's horn, stopping at the 
Citizen's House for dinner. The driver threw his lines to the ground 
the moment he arrived, dismounted from his box, and himself and 
passengers went to the dining room. When the stage drove up the re- 
lay of horses stood ready to hitch to, and, as soon as the passengers had 
bolted their dinner, the driver remounted his seat, assumed the reins, 
cracked his whip, and went out of town as he came in, to the music of 
his horn. Coming down, the Easton stages entered the borough by 
North Main street, thence to Broad and along Broad to East Court 
and to the Citizen's House. Local travel has lost all its picturesque- 
ness since the stage coach was relegated to history. 

Doylestown was the changing place for horses and drivers and 
here a relay of each was kept. It was a custom, when a neighbor 
had a balky or kicking horse, to bring it to the stage stable and hitch 
it in a team as a wheel horse, a few trips always curing the animal's 
infirmity. It was the delight of the town boys to go with the horses 
to the Neshaminy to see them washed, and, on Sunday, a couple of 
coaches were filled with them and driven to the stream. 

It may be charged we have given the old stages too much space, 
and gone into their history too minutely, but we do not think so. 
These stage lines have all passed away, never to return to this part of 
the country, and none but those who lived during that period can 
appreciate what an important factor they were in the life of the county 
capital. Staging, at that day, was an industry, and carried on with a 
vim hardly to be appreciated now in the days of rapid transit. Stag- 
ing possessed a romance that belongs to neither electricity nor steam. 

The post office and the stage are so closely associated in the 



10 Joseph Lewis was a descendant of Richard Backhouse, who owned the 
Durham Furnace many years, and the man who befriended Judge John Ross 
when strujighng as a young man to make his way in the world. In after years 
Thomas Ross, not forgetting past favors done to his father, befriended Lewis 
in more ways than one, and was "Joe" Lewis' steadfast friend to the last. This 
was a credit to human nature. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 121 

transportation of the mails, there is no impropriety in grouping them 
in a single chapter. 

In Colonial times, the mail facilities were "few and far between." 
Soon after Penn's arrival, the settlers of lower Bucks were enabled to 
send, and receive, letters by public conveyance, and passengers were 
conveyed in the same way. In the Fifth-month, 1683, William Penn 
established a post office at the Falls, and Henry Walby was authorized 
to hold one at Taconey, and to supply passengers with horses from 
Philadelphia to New Castle or the Falls. The rates of postage of 
letters, from the Falls to Philadelphia, were three pence, to Chester, 
five, to New Castle seven pence and to Maryland nine pence. 

The first Post Office in Bucks county, after the establishment of 
the Federal government, was opened at Bristol, June i, 1790, and 
Joseph Clun appointed Post Master, while that at Doylestown was 
opened January i, 1802, and Charles Stuart the Post Master. He 
shortly resigned, when Enoch Harvey, his son-in-law, succeeded him, 
but we do not know the date of the change. The latter held the office 
until 1804, when Asher Miner, editor and proprietor of the Correspond- 
ent, succeeded him and had a long term. He kept the post office in 
his printing office, and, in many respects, it was of great convenience 
to him in a business way. The letters, remaining in the office uncalled 
for, were advertised for the first time in the Correspondent of October 
I, 1804, and, in the issue of December 21, 1819, it was announced 
that: 

"A letter box is now attached to the door of the P. O. into 
which all letters may be dropped intended for the mails, or communi- 
cations for the Correspondent will be attended to." This was the first 
letter box at the Doylestown office, and probably in the county. 
Miner resigned March, 1821, after having held the office seventeen 
years. 

In 1805 Congress established two mail routes in the county; one 
from Bristol to Quakertown, via Newtown and Doylestown, the other 
from New Hope, via Doylestown to Lancaster," there and back once a 
week." These routes appear to have been arranged to facilitate the 

11 At Buckwalter's tavern, two miles beyond Norristown, Sept. 7, 1825, 
Benjamin Hall, son of Isaac Hall, Do\ lestown in his twenty-fourth year. He 
was carryin.a: the mail between Doylestown and Lancaster. He was a remark- 
ably studious young man and was reading law with Mathias Morris at the time 
of his death. 

12 The records show that about March i, 1805, a petition was presented in 
Congress for the establishment of a Postroad from Coryell's Ferry through 
Doylestown to Lancaster. 



122 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

distribution of Asher Miner's newspaper; and the mail was carried 
over the latter of the two routes for several years, by the late John 
M'Intosh, of Doylestown. They belonged to the "Cross Mails" 
system, and at the present day are known as "Star Routes." Miner 
was succeeded in the post office by Charles E. DuBois, a young 
attorney recently admitted to the bar, who took charge April i, 1821. 
The post office was then in a frame or stone building, on the west side 
of North Main street about opposite the Court House. Mr. DuBois 
had his law office in the same room probably on the site of the James' 
dwellings. He held the office but a short time, when William T. 
Rogers, who had recently purchased the Doylestown Democrat, was 
appointed in his stead. Among the announcements of the new P. M. 
was the following under date of February 24, 1824: 

"In future no letters will be delivered out of the office without the 
cash, and persons wishing to avail themselves of a credit will be re- 
quired to make a deposit in the office." 

At that time the Southern mail arrived at Doylestown, from 
Philadelphia, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at 
eleven, and closed at ten. There were but twenty-seven offices in 
the county. Rogers resigned November 23, 1829, and M. H. Snyder, 
who had recently established the Bucks County Express and purchased 
the Democrat, was appointed in his place. Snyder announced in the 
Democrat of April 27, 1830, that he will " publish every week, all 
the letters remaining in the post office of Doylestown received the 
preceding week." He stepped down and out of the post office, 
March 4, 1835, and Samuel A. Smith took the place. Doylestown 
had now had a post office thirty- one years, and, without including 
Smith, it had been held by six postmasters, of which three 
were printers, which shows the power of printer's ink. The post 
office was kept at the newspaper offices, and our county journalists, 
to some extent, " killed two birds with one stone." Now comes a 
change,, the scepter of office, in handling the mails, passes from the 
type-setting fraternity to the craft that handles the yard stick, for 
General Smith was a store-keeper and moved the post office to his 
place of business. 

There is nothing to be said of Smith's administration of the post 
office; he was allowed to remain but three years when Randall Mad- 
dock, a justice of the peace, was appointed. This was in 1838, sixty- 
five years ago and he opened the post office in the basement of what is 
now the Scheetz store house, northwest corner of Court and Pine 



DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 123 

streets. Maddock was an unique postmaster, and enjoyed the reputa- 
tion of carrying the letter mail round town in the crown of his hat for 
distribution. '3 The travel, from Philadelphia to the " Forks of Dela- 
ware," was still up the Easton road, through Doylestown in Troy post 
coaches, carrying the mails. Land Admiral Reeside was proprietor, 
and his stages came into town at a spanking gallop, the driver tooting 
his long horn to arouse the drowsy burghers. 

The author knew, personally, all the postmasters but the first 
three, Stewart, Harvey and Asher Miner, and he recalls them and the 
places where the office was kept. The former postmasters and the 
present have handled the mails at Doylestown for one hundred years. 
Maddock was succeeded by Charles H. Mann, who had recently 
moved from Danboro. His commission bore date, November 28, 
1839, and the name of Amos Kendall was signed to it. Mann kept 
the office at his dwelling, corner of East State and Pine streets where 
Bernard McGinty lives. When Tyler stepped into Harrison's shoes 
Mann was removed, and Lester Rich supplanted him; and all the town 
went to his dwelling, on East State street, the site of Charles C. Cox's 
dwelling to get their letters, where Rich's pretty daughter waited on 
her customers with politeness and grace. 

When James K. Polk came into power, 1845, the post office 
passed into the hands of Dr. George T. Harvey, and he kept it in 
his frime drug store on the site of the new Hart building. 

The Doctor was a lucky man, and must have had some political 
witchery about him, that hypnotized three Presidents, Polk, 
Buchanan and Johnson, and induced them to trust him with hand- 
ling the mails in this town of Doyle. What he didn't know of the 
tender correspondence going on between the young folks was hardly 
worth knowing. He made a good postmaster and kept the postal 
secrets locked up in his own bosom. 

The Shearer family was as fortunate as the Harveys, for three 
postal commissions went to them. Enoch Harvey Shearer was 
postmaster under the Taylor-Filmore reign, 1 849-' 53; appointed by 
Lincoln in his first term, and, dying in office, 1865, his widow 
was commissioned for the remainder of the term. During this period 
the office was kept in the little frame, on the east side of North 
Main street, on the site of the Ziegler building. In it the husband 



13 



Postmaster Maddock was probably the pioneer of free delivery. 



124 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

carried on harness making, and the daughter assisted to run the 
office. 

When General Grant became President, Mrs. Prizer, widow of 
Enos Prizer, senior proprietor of the Bucks County Intelligencer, 
was appointed, and the office kept in a room of the Armstrong 
block west side of Court street, at intersection of Main; subsequently 
occupied as a drug store and now a cigar store. The accommodations 
here were better than for many years and it was thought superior 
quarters would never be needed. 

Mrs. Prizer was succeeded by Thomas P. Miller in Grant's second 
term, and the office transferred to the little stone building where the 
Clerk of Quarter Sessions was housed for man)' years; then for a time, 
in what is the Sheriff's office in the new Court House, while that 
building was being completed. This was in 1878, and, the following 
spring, the post office was removed to the southwest room in Lenape 
Building. This becoming too small for the increasing business, the 
adjoining room, part of the former market house, was fitted up and 
occupied, 1894. Four postmasters handled the mails under the roof 
of Lenape; Thomas P. Miller, '•* Grant's second term, John G. Randall, 
Cleveland's first term, James Bartlett, under Harrison, John M. Purdy, 
an appointee of Cleveland, during his second term, and James Bart- 
lett in both terms of McKinley. The latter was re-appointed by 
Roosevelt, February 20, 1902 for another term of four years. '5 The 
location of the post office was changed, in the winter of 1901, to the 
Armstrong building, northeast corner of Main street and Shewell 
avenue on Monument Place, in the heart of the borough. 

Down to the introduction of railroads all the mail matter dis- 
tributed from, and received at Doylestown was carried by horse 
back, sulkey and stage, the routes to and from the county seat, 
radiating in every direction. There was one trunk line of stages, 
that from Philadelphia up the Easton road to the Lehigh, with 
connections to all parts of the state, via the Susquehanna region 
and beyond. The others were "Cross Mails," crossing the county 

14 Thomas P. Miller, is the son of Mahlon Miller, long the popular land- 
lord of the Black Rear inn. Northampton township. He was named after Colonel 
Thomas Purdy Sheriff of the county, and, from boyhood, known as "Colonel " 
Miller. He served through the Civil war, and made a good record as Lieutenant 
of Infantry. 

15 James W. Bartlett was born in Philadelphia, 1838, and came to Bucks 
county when a young man. He was elected Recorder of Deeds, 1878, and 
subsequently appointed Deputy Recorder. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 125 

in several directions. Sixty years ago four newspapers were pub- 
lished in Doylestown, almost their entire issue being distributed by 
post riders. 

In 1826 the following " Cross Mails " carried the mail matter to 
different points in the county and some to places outside: 

For Bristol, via Buckingham, Rockhill, Attleboro, Morrisville, 
Hulmeville, Dolington and New Hope, leaving at 7 a. m. every 
Tuesday morning, returning Thursday afternoon: 

For Andalusia, via Lady Washington, Bustleton, Holmesburg 
and Warminister '^ every Tuesday morning, returning Wednesday 
at noon: 

For Pottsgrove, via Hilltown, Sellersville, Trumbauerville, Sum- 
neytown and Swamp Church every Tuesday, and returning Wed- 
nesday noon: 

For New Hope, via Lumberville, every Tuesday morning at 7 
o'clock, returning same evening: 

For Durham, via Danboro, Plumstead, Erwinna and Monroe, 
every Tuesday morning, returning Thursday afternoon: 

For Lancaster, via Montgomery Square, Centre Square, Norris- 
town, Bell Tavern, Charleston, Pughtown, Morgantown, Churchtown, 
New Holland and Leacock, leaving every Wednesday morning at 7 
o'clock, returning Saturday. 

By 1830 the cross mail routes had been increased to nine; the Phila- 
delphia and Easton mails were closed at 10 and 1 1 a. m. respectively, 
and the cross mails at 9 p. m. The latter mail routes were generally 
in the hands of the newspaper proprietors, and the papers were dis- 
tributed by them. 

The ' ' Cross Mails' ' are kept up, and a large part of the correspond- 
ence with the county seat, and much of the newspaper mail, is carried 
by them. In 1897, seventy-one years after the first record of them, 
there were nine of these local mail routes, five making six trips a 
week, and four making twelve : 

To Reiglesville, via Dyerstown, Danboro, Plumsteadville, Pipers- 
ville, Ottsville, Bucksville, Revere, Sundale, Kintnerville and Lehnen- 
burg: 

16 This Warminister post office was on the street road just above Davis- 

ville, and Joseph Warner was postmaster. It was established in August, 1823, 
moved down to Davisville, 1827, and John Davis appointed postmaster, and it 
is still there. 



126 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

To Ambler, via Tradesville, Eureka, Prospectville, Three Tuns, 
Jarrettown, Dreshertown, Maple Glen and Fitzvvatertown : 

To Levin; 

To Wismer, via Point Pleasant, Gardenville and Tinicum: 

To Willow Grove, via Edison, Warrington, Neshaminy, Davis 
Grove and Horsham : 

To Bedminister, via Dublin and Fountainville: 

To Buckingham, via Mechanics Valley, Buckingham Valley, 
Pineville, Penn's Park and Wrightstown. From Buckingham 
Valley the mail is distributed to several points by rail. 

To Plumsteadville, via Danboro and Dyerstown: 

To Mechanicsville, via Carversville. These mails are carried in 
vehicles adapted to the carrying of passengers, and are a convenience 
to many. In addition to the mails that arrive and leave the Doyles- 
tovvn office by stage, eight mails arrive and six depart by rail every 
day in the week, one only arriving on Sunday, in the evening. 

In the hundred years since a post office was established at 
Doylestown, there have been sixteen postmasters and two post- 
mistresses; two postmasters filling the office three times and another 
twice. Of the postmasters, most of them were men of prominence; 
one, Smith, represented the district in Congress, Rogers, served two 
terms in the State Senate, one term filling the Speaker's chair, 
Randall and Bartlett filled County offices, Mann and Purely were 
High Sheriff, Harvey and Miller commissioned officers in the Union 
army in the Civil war, and Snyder an enlisted man. The increase, 
in the quantity of mail matter, handled at the Doylestown office, as 
compared with that at its beginning, and especially when the post- 
master distributed the letter mail from the crown of his hat, has been 
enormous, but no greater than on other lines of progress. The 
weight of mails handled daily at the Doylestown post office, at the 
close of 1 90 1, was as follows: First-class matter, which included 
letters and postal cards, etc., one hundred and twenty-five pounds, 
or about six thousand pieces, newspaper mail, nine hundred and 
fifty pounds, about 7,500 pieces and the weight of third and fourth- 
class matter handled daily is about thirty pounds. What better 
indication could there be of the spread of intelligence, and increase 
of business? The author is indebted to Postmaster Bartlett, for the 
figures giving the weight of mail matter. 



|)ot|le0toititt, ®li) anil Hm. 



XV 
Our Public Inns. 

The public inns, of city or town, are an interesting feature and 
much history is connected with them. A study of their signs is 
curious, often suggesting the method of thought and humors of their 
period. In the olden time, when few could read or write, the tavern 
played an important part and, not infrequently, the public inn was 
the first building erected on a street. Having given some account of 
the pioneer tavern of Doylestown, we purpose to write of others, old 
enough, to have a history. Of the six licensed houses, at Doylestown 
almost ninety years ago, four long since rendered their final account, 
with one other built twenty years later. We have formed them into two 
groups, for more convenient treating, and will take them up accord- 
ing to age. The first group, known in the past, as " The Three 
Taverns," the "Ship," the "Fox Chase" and the "Mansion 
House" stood on three of the four corners where State and Main 
streets cross, the "Fox Chase" being represented by the present 
Fountain House, its descendant. 

The " Ship," at the southeast corner of State and Main streets, 
occupying the site of Lenape Building erected 1874, was the oldest of 
the group. There is some uncertainty when it was first licensed in 
the absence of documentary evidence. The property was owned by 
Samuel and James Flack, 1 774-1 791, and Mrs. Nathan Cornell, whose 
mother was a Doyle, told the author, many years ago, a tavern was 
kept there as early as 1778 by Samuel Flack. On May i, of that 
year, a child of Mr. Flack was buried, from that house, at Neshaminy 

127 



128 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

grave yard, the little funeral cortege consisting of two young men and 
two young women, all mounted. One of the young men carried the 
cofifin, and, while the burial was taking place, the firing of the guns, 
at the battle of the Crooked Billet, was distinctlv heard. One of the 
girls, who attended the burial, was Mary Doyle, mother of Mrs. Cornell. 
James Flack, Doylestown, a descendant of Samuel Flack, says it is a 
family tradition that the child was buried from the Sliip tavern on the 
day mentioned, and that Samuel Flack kept the house. When the 
Ship tavern was torn down, 1874, for the erection of Lenape Building, 
there was evidence of great age, and tradition said it had rounded out 
a century as a licensed house. The east end, containing the long 
low parlor, was built first. 

We next hear of the Ship in December, 1805, when George 
Stewart announced in the Correspondent, that he had "again 
commenced business in the village of Doylestown, a few doors south- 
west of the Two Taverns;" the two taverns being the Ship 
and the ancestor of the Fountain House, on diagonally opposite 
corners, th(^ third of the group, the Mansion House, not being built 
until five years later. In 1806, Miner's paper speaks of " that noted 
tavern stand 'Sign of the Ship ' in the tenure of Mathew Hare, ^ in 
Doylestown, fronting the Fasten and New Hope roads." Hare was 
followed by landlords John Worman, Lott Carr, and Colonel Flack, 
the owner, and, in 1817, Jacob Kohl advertised his occupancy of the 
"Ship Inn" opposite the store of John Brock. Kohl was agent 
for a line of stages running to Philadelphia. In 1829, the " Ship " " 
was called the " Bucks County Hotel," and kept by Richard 
Leedom. A subsequent landlord was Benjamin Morris, 3 of Doyles- 



1 "At Doylestown, Au^^ust 10, iSrg, Mrs. Mary Evans, aged about 24 years, 
wife of David Evans and daughter of William Hair." We know but little 
of the "Hares," or " Haires," that throws light on the Doylestown branch. 
They are said to have come from England and settled in Bucks county prior to 
the Revolution. William Hare is the first of the name we have met with. 
George Hare went to New Jersey, was a Lieutenant in the Revolution and died, 
1783. We hear of a Benjamin Thornton Hare, whose wife, Margaret, was a 
daughter of Jacob Krider, a .soldier of the Revolution. One of the Hares, of 
Doylestown, was a Lieutenant in Captain Magill's rifle company, 1814. 

2 A deed hook in the Recorder's office, Doylestown, contains the following 
record: John Worman, Inkeeper to Isaac Morris, Inkeeper, April 10, 1809: 
"beginning at a stone standing in cross-roads, being also a corner of William 
McGill and others, extending thence along the road leading to Coryell's 
Ferry." The lot is mentioned as being in Warwick. Isaac Morris was 
probably the father of Benjamin Morris, Sheriff of the county, who owned 
this property and kept the tavern. 

3 Benjamin Morris was elected Sheriff, 1830, and hung Mina the murderer 
of Dr. Chapman, 1832. Mi.ss Mary LaRue, his step-daughter, was tlie first 
wife of Dr. George T. Harvey, and the mother of Judge Edward Harvey, of 
AUentown, Pa. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 129 

town township, who kept it several years and died there. The 
"Ship" had a number of Commanders, after Benjamin Morris,'' 
some of them owners of the property. It was purchased, 1874, by 
the Doylestown Improvement Company, which erected the Lenape 
Building on the site at the cost of $50,000. While the vote of 
Doylestown was cast at a single polling place, the elections were held 
at the Ship tavern until it was taken down. 

The " Fox Chase," now the Fountain House, and the second 
of the group, has a record reaching back over a century under various 
names. It occupies part of the estate of Richard Swanwick, attainted 
of treason in the Revolution and his property confiscated. It was 
purchased by Samuel and Joseph Flack, who owned the "Ship," 
the state executing a deed to them June 8, 1780. Meanwhile Samuel 
Flack bought his brother's interest and sold the whole to John Shaw, 
innkeeper, Plumstead. It is thought Shaw built a house, obtained 
license and kept a tavern there; but, be that as it may, Shaw sold the 
property to Enoch Harvey, March 29, 1794, Harvey to Charles 
Stewart, his father-in-law, 1798, Stewart to Dr. Hugh Meredith, 
1802, and Meredith back to Harvey, 1803, who now owned the 
property to his death. 

The Stewarts were among the earliest Scotch-Irish settlers of 
Bucks county, John, of Northampton and Warwick, Robert of War- 
wick and Thomas of Tinicum. Charles Stewart, of Plumstead, 
1738, was probably a son of John who first appears in Northampton, 
1729. He bought 116 acres in Plumstead, of William Allen, April i, 
1757. His children were George, Charles and Rachel. This 
Charles Stewart is probably the same who removed to Lower 
Makefield, which a comparison of their signatures, 1738 to 1791 
makes quite conclusive. Charles Stewart married Sarah, widow of 
David Lawell, Newtown, 1 756-' 57. At that time his residence is 
given as Plumstead. This was probably a second marriage, as John 
Harris married Lawell' s daughter Hannah about that time. While it 
is thought she went to Kentucky for good, 1797, she appears to have 
been in Bucks county, 1803, when she acknowledged a letter of 
attorney to Robert Frazier, authorizing him to convey her interest in 
the " Mansion House" at Newtown, as the instrument was executed 
there. In a letter of attorney, dated June 30, 1797, which Hannah 
Harris and Mary Hunter executed, they are spoken of as "late 



4 At Doylestown, March 23, 1839, at the house of Benjamin Morris, 
Thomas Elton, a soldier of the Revolution, aged 87. 



I30 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

of Woodford in the state of Kentucky, but now of Bucks county." 
When Charles Stewart went to Upper Makefield we do not know, 
but he was there February 5, 1773. 

License was issued to Charles Stewart, 5 1800, 1801 and 1802, 
and to Enoch Harvey from 1802 to 1808, and several years afterward. 
In 181 5 he rented the house to David D. Marple who subsequently 
went to Philadelphia, and died there, 1829. At this period the house 
was known as the " Doylestown Hotel" and the "Fox Chase," 
retaining the latter name in the 30's. In 1815 Harvey advertised 
the property for sale, but it did not sell, and the description is of in- 
terest after 86 years. ^ It was two stories high with the usual 
garret. We remember the "capacious" room spoken of and attended 
a militiary ball there over fifty years ago, where nodding plumes and 
glittering epaulets of the county militia officers made a brilliant scene. 
The "capacious room" was formed by throwing three other rooms 
separated by moveable partitions into one and was known as the "ball 
room." Harvey made a second attempt to sell in 1830 with no better 
success, when he spoke of it as the ' 'sign of the Fox Chase. ' ' Among 
the outhouses were two stone hay houses, carriage house, sheds and 
stabling for sixty horses, also a large stone blacksmith and good wheel- 
wright shops. 

The house changed owners several times in the next eight years; 
Daniel Wierman in 1831; Stephen Brock in 1832, a famous landlord; 
and James Meredith, 1835. Isaac W. James was the landlord in 
1836, under whom it was called the "Doylestown Hotel," an old 
name revived. It now had a double piazza and two-thirds of the 
building was three stories high. William Field kept the house 1837- 
38 and Elnathan Pettitt 7 bought it in the early spring of the latter 
year, taking possession April ist. He sold out to Charles H. Mann, 
1849, who moved down from the Citizen's House. 

From Mann's occupancy to the present day, 54 years, there 
have been but six owners and landlords; N. P. Brower, William 
Corson, Edward Yost, John T. Simpson, Daniel McLaughlin and 



5 As Charles Stewart got license in 1800, either he or Shaw built a house 
there, if not built by the Flacks. 

6 "The house is large and commoflious, 76 feet in length and 30 wide, 
containing six convenient rooms on the lower floor besides an entry, and ten 
rooms on the second ffoor, one being sufficiently capacious to accommodate 
parties of l)usiness or pleasure. In front of tin- house is a porch, and contiguous 
to it, is a well of superior and lasting water with a good pump therein." 

7 At Doylestown, October 3, 1832, Benjamin Pettitt, aged about twenty 
years, son of Elnathan Pettitt. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 131 

Joseph H. Fretz, 1900. During recent years the property has been 
much improved and is now the most imposing pubHc inn of the 
county. The name was changed to "Fountain House" during the 
occupancy of Mr. Corson and retains it. One of the most interesting 
features, in the history of this inn, is its constant rise in value. 

The following transfers of the Fountain House property, with the 
price at which it was sold, have taken place since 1776: 

In 1776 William Doyle sold it to Daniel Hough and the same 
year Hough conveyed it to Richard Swanwick for $600. The 
property was confiscated, 1779 and sold to Samuel and Joseph Hough 
at public sale, 1792; Samuel Flack who had purchased Joseph's 
interest, to John Shaw, 1798; Shaw to Enoch Harvey; Harvey 
to Stewart, 1802; Stewart to Hugh Meredith, 1803; Meredith to 
Enoch Harvey, 1832; executors of Enoch Harvey to David Weir- 
man, $1,976, 1833; Weirman to Stephen Brock, $3,500, 1835; Brock 
to James Meredith, $4,250, 1838; Meredith to Elnathan Pettitt, 
$8,000, 1849; Pettitt to C. H. Mann, $8,000, 1856; Mann to N. P. 
Brower, $6,000, 1868; Brower to Wm. Corson, $17,500, 1879; S. A. 
Firman, administrator of Corson, to Edward Yost, $22,300, 1880; 
Sheriff S. L. Ely, to Lydia Ann, wife of Edward Yost, 1883; Mrs. Yost 
to John T. Simpson, $23,000. During Simpson's ownership John M. 
Purdy kept the house and several improvements were made, in- 
cluding a Mansard roof; 189-, Robert Thompson,^ executor of 
Simpson, to Daniel McLaughlin, $30,000, and, 1900, McLaughlin 
sold to Joseph H. Fretz, the present owner for $65,000. 

The Mansion House, the third and last of this group, occupy- 
ing the site of Keller's bakery, southwest corner of State and Main, 
was probably first built for a dwelling. Miss Laura Magill in a letter 
to the Author, under date of March 4, 1887, says: " While the 
Mansion House was being built, my grandfather lived on West State 
street opposite Green's property, with their children, Alfred and 
Arabella, born 1802 and 1804, while Louisa, their next child, was 
born in 1806 in the Mansion House, which, when built, was one 
story and a half or two stories high with finished basement. "^ This 

8 At Davisville, February 21, 1833, by Lemon Banes, Esq., David Robin- 
son to Mary A. Reed, both of Davisville. The widow of the late Robert 
Thompson, of Doylestown, is the daughter of this marriage, and her grandfatlier 
was a warrant ofificer in the U. S. N. and served on board the frigate Brandywine, 
which carried General Lafaj'ette home to France, 1825. A sister of Mrs. 
Thompson was the wife of the late Isaac G.Thomas, of Doylestown. 

9 Prior to living on State street, opposite Green's, the Magill family occu- 
pied a house on the premises. 



132 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

confirms our belief that the house was enlarged in 1810, after the new 
county seat was fixed here, and changed to a tavern. This was done 
by William Magill, son of Robert. 

After the county seat was removed to Doylestown, the house 
received a license and was kept several years by the Magills, father 
and son. In 1834, it fell into the possession of William Field as 
lessee, who was elected Sheriff that fall. He was a popular man and 
twice married. '° His daughter Elizabeth, a sprightly, pretty girl, 
and the toast of the town, married Rex Peters, son of the great 
stage proprietor, and they settled down on a farm in Chester county. 

Samuel E. Buck succeeded Field for a couple of years, and, in 
December, 1838, took charge of the Mount Vernon House, Phila- 
delphia, where he died 1840. He was a dashing, handsome man 
and married one of Josiah Y. Shaw's pretty daughter, a runaway 
match" and created some sensation. He came to Doylestown, 1832, 
from Nockamixon, and began storekeeping- with Daniel Wierman, 
the latter dying, January 1834. Buck's widow married John Titus, a 
member of the bar and, in future years, reached the chair of Chief 
Justice of Arizona. She was a lovely woman and of fine presence. 
There were several other landlords at the Mansion House while it 
continued in license, Zepp, of Philadelphia, succeeding Buck, then 
Charlie Tucker, a facetious fellow by nature and a tailor by trade, 
who worked on the bench while he played the role of landlord, keep- 
ing the house three years. 

Among the succeeding landlords were Thomas Sands from Sole- 
bury, and Daniel Wilson, 1853, the last, the Sheriff selling him out. 
This house was Democratic headquarters for several years, and here 
the return riders assembled the night of election, and carried the 
news to distant parts of the county. At Samuel A. Bridge's first 
election to Congress, 1852, Dr. George T. Harvey and the author 
carried the result to him at Allentown, a diive of sixty miles there 
and back. In a room in this house, facing State street, the first tele- 
graph instrument in the county was put up and experimented with, 
about the first of January, 1846, which the author witnessed. 

After the death of Alfred Magill, son of William and father of 



10 At Willow Grove, October 27,1824, by George H. Pawling, Esq., 
William Field to Miss Martha Dungan, both of Doylestown. 

11 In Philadelphia, December 9, 1S33, by John Swift, Esq., Mayor, 
Samuel E. P)uck, merchant, to Miss Martha E. Shaw, daughter of Josiah Y. 
Shaw, both of Doylestown. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 133 

Charles H. , 1853, the Mansion House was sold to William T. Eisen- 
hart and Abraham L. Garron for $6,500. It subsequently fell into 
possession of James S. Mann, who converted it into a bakery and 
restaurant, Willoughy Shade being an intermediate owner and 
keeping a tin shop and stove store in it. Weinrebe bought it of 
Mann, and sold it to A. M. Keller in 1899, but bought it back in 
July, 1902, and is the present owner. Thus, two of the " Three 
Taverns," around which throbbed the pulse of the life and business 
of Doylestown three quarters of a century ago, have passed into 
history. 

The Clear Spring, the last of the first group of our public inns, 
and licensed at the dawn of the nineteenth century, is at the 
" Germany " end of the village. At its birth it was surrounded by 
woods and fields, and named from the fine spring of water gushing up 
on the premises. The name was originally the " Spring House," its 
sign board bearing the inscription " Bucks County Farmer. " 
John Worman kept it in 1806, probably the same who was a tailor in 
Doylestown prior to that time. On December 6, that year, he adver- 
tised his tavern "in Germany," the same name that end of the 
borough bears to-day, with 23 acres of land; "the house has two fronts, 
each 50x20 feet with good kitchen." As it did not sell, Worman 
continued to keep it until April i, 1809, when he removed to Phila- 
delphia to the sign of ' ' The Drover, ' ' Third and Callowhill. The 
tannery, that formerly belonged to the premises, was not built in 1804, 
but probably erected by Dick, about 18 10. 

John Ledley Dick was the next owner buying it about 18 10, and 
owning it to his death. He offered it for sale August 13, 1813, under the 
name of the " Spring House," sign of the " Bucks County Farmer ; " 
the house " a new stone building with a living spring of water near its 
base in full view of the public buildings." Jacob Overholt, the land- 
lord, shortly left, but, just before vacating the premises, advertised a 
" fox chase," to come off shortly in the following terms : "A hand- 
some fox will be let out from the ' Bucks County Farmers' inn,' in 
Doylestown, when all who are fond of innocent sport are invited to at- 
tend with good dogs and fleet horses." We are not informed how 
the fox chase terminated or who took the brush. Dick died, 181 5, 
and the tavern was sold to settle his estate. Valentine Opp," Spring- 
field township, being the purchaser. 

Moving down in the spring of 1816, he took possession and began 

12 At Doylestown, June 10, 1833, Catharine Opp in her 6ist year, wife of 
Valentine Opp, inn keeper. Buried at Hilltown church. 



134 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

his long career as landlord. The tavern was in the Opp family until 
1843, twenty-seven years, the son succeeding the father. It became 
quite a famous hostelry, and a noted stopping place for the upper end 
Germans, when visiting the county seat. Sergeant Peter Opp, who 
served though the Mexican war, and had a public reception on his 
return home, August, 1848, was a grandson of Valentine Opp, '3 and a 
son of Peter. '4 The last surviving members of the Opp family were 
Mrs. Catharine Constantine, who died at Doylestown, Oct. 7, 1896, in 
her 88th year and Mrs. Catharine Rickard, wife of Andrew B. Rick- 
ard, who died at the same place, Oct. 13, 1901, at the age of 81. 

The Opps left the tavern in 1843, when it was occupied by Lewis 
Apple who kept it until 1846. He removed to the " Citizen's 
House," and was succeeded by Thomas Scotland and others down 
to the present time; among them being "Ad." Cleaver, many years 
the owner and keeper of the historic Brick Hotel, Newtown. The 23 
acres, of land, belonging to the Clear Spring tavern when Worman 
owned it, 1806, were long since parted with. The house is in good 
condition, the present owner being Samuel K. Hager. 

The " Indian Queen" the most famous of the old taverns of 
the second group, occupied the site of the new building of the 
Doylestown National Bank. It had three lives, so to speak, first a 
smith shop, next a public inn, and then, for nearly three quarters of a 
century, a private residence, known as the " Ross Mansion." 's 

The ground the Ross Mansion stood on, was originally part of 
the " Free Society of Traders tract," then to Jeremiah Langhorne, to 
Jonathan Kirkbride, to Joseph and Jesse Fell, who built a smith shop 
on it, and 1802 it came into possession of Nathaniel Shewell. When 
it became an assured fact — the seat of Justice would be removed to 
Doylestown, Shewell enlarged the ancient smithy into a two-story 
attic extending the southwest front to Main street. This was done, 

13 Anna Catharine Opp, mother of Valentine Opp, died in Springfield 
township, 1828. 

14 On Tuesday, July 7, 1818, by the Rev. Mr. Weiand, Mr. Peter Opp of 
Doylestown, to Miss Margaret Fries, of New Britain. Peter Opp died at his 
father's house, Doylestown, September 22, 1827, aged about 30 years. 

15 The title, to the historic Ross Mansion for the past hundred and fifteen 
years, runs as follows : William Roberts, Sheriff, conveyed to Joseph Fell, 
June 21, 1788; F'eH's administrator to Nathaniel Shewell, April i, 1802; Shewell 
to William Watts, April 14, 1818; Watts to John Ross, May 25, 1824; John Ross 
to son, Thomas Ross, 1834; and thence to son Henry P. Ross to George Ross, 
and to the Doylestown National Bank, the present owner. John Ross was 
born in Solebury, February 24, 1770, settled in Easton, 1792, and died January 
31. 1831. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 135 

181 1, the year after Shewell sold the site for the public buildings 
to the county for one dollar. 

The Indian Queen was a licensed house for eleven years, the 
first landlord being Frederick Nicholas, or Nicholaus, probably son 
of the early stage proprietor through Doylestown to Philadelphia. 
He took possession about April i, 1813, kept it two years and was 
followed by Mathew Hare from the " Ship." In a newspaper notice 
of his change of location, Hare says he had " given up the Ship" 
and hoped, "by particular attention to the duties of a public house 
keeper, to reinlist a portion of his old shipmates." April i, 18 16, 
Stephen Brock assumed the baton of authority at the Indian Queen, 
his license being issued at the April sessions and renewed the follow- 
ing year. On taking possession, Mr. Brock made the following 
newspaper ^^ announcement addressed to " Friends at a distance and 
neighbors near." " I have taken Shewell' s convenient tavern stand 
in Doylestown, near the Court House, at the door of which the 
Indian Queen exhibits herself in all kinds of weather, her spirits 
neither depressed by clouds nor raised by sunshine. I have liquors 
of a good quality ; I have made comfortable provision for the weary 
traveler, including provender for his horses, and having a disposition 
to live by the provision, I pledge myself to use every proper exertion 
to give satisfaction to those who may frequent the inn of 

Stephen Brock." 

Mr. Brock was a picturesque person and not surpassed as an inn- 
keeper. He was genial and popular, and an important factor in 
county politics. No man could play the role of candidate for ofifice 
with greater success, and he knew how to enroll the mothers on his 
side. His strength among the voters was such, on two occasions, he 
ran as an independent candidate for sheriff against the field and was 
elected. In his first race, 1821, when returned by 983 majority, 
he announced his candidacy in a card, which starts off by saying: "lam 
no grandee, nor caucus man, nor political intriguer; but a plain man," 
and the people seem to have thought so, for they elected him. There 
was always a vein of humor about him. In the Spring of 1825 when 
he moved out to the Cross Keys, he announced, that instead of 
having "shifted his quarters to the Lake country, the Cherokee 
settlements, or any other outlandish region," he "had only removed 

16 Pennsylvania Correspondent April 9, 1816. 



136 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

to the sign of the Cross Keys, lately kept by Peter Adams, Esq., on 
the Easton road, one mile from Doylestown." 

Mr. Brock left his "Indian Queen" April i, 1818, and was suc- 
ceeded by William McHenry, father of the late Charles McHenry of 
Doylestown. The new host came of a good Irish family, his father 
being the Rev. Francis Mc Henry, a prominent Presbyterian divine 
of the eighteenth century. Our new landlord was a watch and clock 
maker by trade and carried it on in the second story corner room of the 
inn. Mr. McHenry was followed by Abram Black, familiarly called 
"Walabocker," who was at the Indian Queen in 1821-22. Shewell 
had sold the property 1815, to William W^atts, who came up from 
Newtown with the Courts and took out license in his own name. He 
kept the Queen 1823 and 1824 the latter year selling the building to 
John Ross, recently appointed to the Common Pleas Bench of the 
District. The house was a popular one, and, being in touch with the 
new county buildings, became the Court and political centre. During 
Mr. Watt's occupancy, November, 1823, the "Union Troop of 
Cavalry" was organized at a meeting held there. This was a famous 
military organization, and commanded several years by Joseph 
Archambault, one of the two "Archambault brothers" who belonged 
to the household of the great Napoleon, and were with him at St. 
Helena. 

The " Court Inn," on the site of the present Monument House, 
across Main street from the "Indian Queen," came into life when the 
latter retired. It began as a small frame, and so remained a number 
of years. Wm. Watts commenced keeping it soon after selling the 
Queen to Judge Ross, 1824, and left it in November, 1826. He was 
then the owner, and may have erected the first building. His sale 
was held October, 1826, and, at it, was sold a pair of beautiful cream 
bays, known as the " Lafayette horses," quite a fad after the General's 
visit here, 1824, and were two of the six that drew the distinguished 
Frenchman through the streets of Philadelphia. William Field suc- 
ceeded Watts November 4, 1826; Charles Morris kept the house, 
1830 and Field was there again, 1832. In October of that year Field 
married Eliza Gordon for his second wife. Watts was still the owner 
of the Court Inn, in the spring of 1832, when William T. Rogers, as 
his agent, offered it for sale. The house was robbed, while Field oc- 
cupied it, the night of April 15, 1830, and, among the articles stolen 
were a dozen silver spoons marked with the initial "D." belong- 
ing to his first wife. Here there is a break in the line of landlords 




< 

Z 

O 

W 
X 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 137 

and the Quarter Sessions records do not help us out. In this old inn 
was born Joseph H. Blackfan, many years "Superintendent of Foreign 
Mails," whose father, Crispin Blackfan, once kept the house, and was 
Prothonotary. John Weikel was the landlord 1842, and George H. 
Wyker, 1844. The latter advertised his removal in the Intelligencer 
of June 26, as follows: 

"George H. Wyker, late from the Ladies', Gentlemen's 
Farmers' and ordinary Travelers' House of entertainment, two miles 
above the Willow Grove, on the Easton and Philadelphia State Road, 
begs leave to inform his friends, (if he be so fortunate as to have any) 
the rich as well as the poor, that he has absquatulated from the old 
stand, and has squatted down at Doylestown, at the ' Court Inn,' 
the original Stage House Hotel, where he will accommodate all who 
may see proper to accommodate him with their custom, 'according 
to the best of his ability, and with fidelity,' " as the lawyers say. 

N. B. "A line of Stages for Norristown leaves this house every 
day, except Sundays, at 7 a. m. , and returns at 7 p. m." 

At the April term, 1846, license was granted to Joseph Strawn, 
"Pappy" Strawn as he was familiarly called. He kept the house 
twenty years, and developed a number of pecularities of character. 
He had a certain time for closing, and the rule was as rigid as the laws 
of the Medes and Persians. The hour was ten o'clock, and if guests 
were at the bar taking a ' ' night cap ' ' it made no difference, they had 
to go. He had great faith in the moon, and watched it closely, and, 
as age grew upon him, began to predict and prophesy. One of his 
pecularities was his disLke to negroes, and, with a single exception, 
none of this race was allowed to drink at his bar. The exception was 
Peter Jackson, a negro of the old school, tall and dignified, and a 
constant attendant upon the ofiicers in the hey day of our county 
military. Strawn's only son, Clayton, after serving in the war of 1861- 
65, went to sea with a couple of his companions, and sailing the south 
seas over in different vessels, they met at Honolulu. The other two 
came home but Strawn remained; contracted leprosy, was sent to the 
island where such unfortunates are confined, and finally became its 
Governor. One of Strawn's daughters married William Beek, who 
built the first exhibition building on the Doylestown Fair Grounds, 
1855; which was blown down that Fall, after a great fair at which 
Horace Greely and a baby exhibit were the drawing cards. Allen H. 
Heist succeeded Strawn at the Court Inn, 1866 and to him the house 
is indebted for modern improvements. He first erected the brick 



138 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

back building and then the front structure, the original frame, having 
to give way to the demands for better accomodations. The house 
subsequently passed out of the Heist family, being purchased by 
George Ott, the present owner. Just when it was given the name of 
the "Monument House" we cannot tell, but sometime after the 
monument was erected at the crossing of Main and Court streets, 1868. 

The Green Tree, the third of the second group, at the northeast 
corner of Broad and Main streets, was built by Septimus Evans for a 
dwelling, about 1807, who lived there, following his trade as a clock 
and watch maker. In 181 1, he married Catharine Houpt, of Durham, 
obtained a license and kept the house, i8i3-'i4 and '15, selling it to 
Daniel Woodruff, the fall of the latter year, who moved in the spring 
of 1 8 16. Evans left Doylestown and was following his trade at 
Jenkintown,'7 1821, and, at one time, lived in Delaware. He was the 
father of Henry S. Evans, many years proprietor and editor of the 
Village Record, West Chester, and served two terms in the State 
Senate. He was born in Doylestown, and, no doubt, drew his first 
breath under the roof of the Green Tree. 

A new landlord took possession of the Green Tree the spring of 
1817, a tailor named John Randall, the second of the name to play 
bonaface in the village. During his occupancy, a stranger, William 
Denison Burroughs, who stopped at the house over night on his return 
to his home, in the state of New York, died there of pleurisy. He 
had taken a raft down the Delaware to Philadelphia. Here there is 
a break in the landlords, but Margaret Kiple kept the house, 1822-23, 
leaving the first of April of the latter year. 

Joseph Burrows, father of the "Citizens' House" of which 
more later on, bought the Green Tree in the Spring of '23 and 
moved in as Mrs. Kiple went out. Burrows, who was still 
there in 1826, announced that "Mineral water of the best quality, 
and ice cream equal to Philadelphia manufacture, can be had on 
Thursday and Saturday evenings," luxuries at that day. Mr. Burrows' 
wife, Sarah, died in Philadelphia, June 30, 1824. He left the tavern 
prior to 1828, and began keeping a flour and feed store in Doyles- 
town, being succeeded at the Green Tree by Henry Carver, sub- 

17 Septimus Evans offered the Green Tree and four other lots at public sale 
August 31, 1813, but it did not sell. The reason given, for wanting to sell, was 
because he wished to remove to the state of Delaware, where he had purchased 
property. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 139 

sequently elected Brigade Inspector ; Carver was there in '28, and 
William Field from '29 to '31. 

Thomas Purdy, of Southampton, father of ex-Sherifl John M. 
Purdy, was the next landlord to rule over the Green Tree, his 
administration beginning April i, 1831; William Purdy, his father, 
having been recently appointed Prothonotary by Governor Wolf, 
father and son came to Doylestown and occupied the tavern. The 
license was taken out in the name of the son. The Purdys left the 
Green Tree in the Spring of 1833; the father removing to the house 
now occupied by Arthur Lehman, State street and Printers' alley, 
where he died 1834, the son going to the Black Bear, Northampton 
township, where he kept store a few years in the Stuckert storehouse, 
and then removed to his father's farm in Southampton. He died 
there in the Fall of 1844, two years after his election to the 
Sheriff's ofifice. 

Among the subsequent landlords were Benjamin Carver, the 
successor to Purdy; Kirk J. Price, who kept the house in 1836; 
Theodore Kinsey, who left the tavern to engage in the lightning rod 
business, and, striking it at the flood, it led on to fortune; Joel Vasey, 
who left the Green Tree in 1849, to give place to Abram R. Kram, 
the bartender for Lewis Apple at the Citizen's House; license was 
granted to both Apple and Vasey at the April Term, 1846. The 
Green Tree gave up the ghost as a licensed house sometime in the 
Spring of '54, and, since then, has been occupied as a residence by 
various persons. It belonged to the Chapman family many years. 
The present owner, Webster Grim has made handsome alterations 
and improvements to adapt it to two families. The improved house 
is in keeping with modern improvements, but we regret a photograph 
of the old building was not taken before its appearance was wholly 
changed. 

The " Citizen's House," the last of the group, was on East Court 
street at the corner of Pine, built by Joseph Burrows, i830-'3i for a 
temperance house and finished in March. One of the village news- 
papers announced in its issue of December 7, 1830: " The Citizen's 
House" is now ready for the reception of jurors, boarders and others, 
by the proprietor, Joseph Burrows." At that time there were no 
buildings on the south side of Court street between the Academy and 
Printers' alley, where Barton Stewart's log barn stood. 

In 1835 the proprietor of the house had a collection of curios, 
which a ' ' Subscriber ' ' pays his compliments to in the issue of the 



I40 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Intelligencer of May 13 : " Being at court last week, I had a curiosity 
to visit this estabhshment, and rarely have I spent a half hour more 
agreeably than in examining the collection of birds, minerals, sculpture 
and paintings, with which one of the rooms of the Inn is so tastefully 
decorated. The skill display in the arrangement of the specimens de- 
serves praise, and the collection is highly creditable to the place. ' ' 
Kirk J. Price kept the house in 1836, removing hither from the Green 
Tree, and was there a year or two. He was succeeded by William 
Field, who probably obtained a license. The name was now changed 
to "Citizen's House," and Field remained there until the spring of 
1 84 1, when he removed to the Mount Vernon House, Philadelphia, 
the second Doylestown landlord who rounded out his occupation there 
as the keeper of a licensed house. 

The next landlord was Stephen Brock, who moved in the spring 
Field moved out, and was there five years, removmg to Cross Keys 
in 1846. When he took charge, he announced himself in the news- 
papers, as " Brock against the field," and it was literally so, while he 
kept the house, it was the centre of much of the social life of the vil- 
lage. Mr. Brock's two agreeable daughters, and three popular sons, 
were important factors in making it attractive during their father's ad- 
ministration. The Summer of 1845 ^^^ especially gay; the house 
was filled with boarders, among them several attractive girls from the 
city. Cotillion parties, in the large dining-room, were of almost nightly 
occurrence, and there were frequent picnics. Some hearts were 
touched, and, in after years, matches made by those who first met there. 
The author was then in Doylestown and joined in these innocent 
pleasures, and, subsequently when standing in that empty dining- 
room, and contemplating past delights, it seemed " like some banquet 
hall derserted." 

Ex-Sheriff Charles H. Mann succeeded Mr. Brock in the Spring 
of 1846, and kept the house until he removed to the Fountain House 
1849, which he bought of Pettitt. The landlords in rotation, from Mann, 
were Lewis Apple, '^ who moved from Opp's; J. Wilson Cowell, son of 
Joseph Cowell, of Point Pleasant, whose tavern was quite famous in 
its day, and where J. Wilson got his early training, whose eldest 
daughter married James Vanhorne, cashier of Hatboro National 
Bank; William C. Knight, Southampton, bought the house, 1863, 
kept it two years then returned to Southampton where he died 1877; 

18 At Doylestown, November i, 1844, Anna, wife of Lewis Apple, at the 
age of 27. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 141 

Thomas P. Miller, 1868, son of Mahlon Miller who kept the famous 
Black Bear many years, who made some valuable improvements, and 
was succeeded by ex-Sheriff Purdy in the Spring of 1878. Morgan 
Rufe bought the house of Purdy, 1883, and altered it for a general 
store. At his death it was bought by A. F. Scheetz, whose sons 
carry on the mercantile business there. Its glory hath departed, and 
no more will the music of the drivers horn be heard, as of old, when 
the Troy Post coaches, horses on a run, stopped before the house 
with the mail. 

Of the nine taverns, we have discoursed about and, which during 
their best days, wielded great influence, six have been dropped from 
the rolls, and but three remain, the Fountain House, Monument, 
I louse and Clear Spring. As we call the roll of Doylestown landlords, 
a remarkable fact presents itself, eight of them, including one 
proprietor filled the office of High Sheriff of the county, one. Brock, 
being twice elected; William Field, Benjamin Morris, Thomas Purdy, 
Charles H. Mann, John M. Purdy. Allen H. Heist, John T. Simpson 
and Stephen Brock. Despite what is said of the increase of the 
liquor tralitic and the growth of intemperance, Doylestown shows a 
different record. In the last sixty-five years only two new taverns 
have been erected and licensed in the borough, and it is a creditable 
fact, that in the last sixty years, while our population has largely in- 
creased the number of our public inns has decreased. When Doyles- 
town had but 500 inhabitants there were seven licensed inns; now 
with a population of 3,500, it has only five, and has not had more in 
twenty-five years. With this record, Doylestown's increase in 
temperance and sobriety cannot be called in question. 

In writing of the Doylestown taverns, it will hardly do to omit 
the Cross Keys on the Easton road, a short mile out of town. It 
was first licensed at the June term of Court, 1758, and has been in 
continued license one hundred and forty-five years. Alexander 
Brown, who receix'ed the first license, was a son of Thomas Brown, 
Plumstead township, stated, in his petition, that he " had settled by 
the side of the road that leads from the Great Swamp to Newtown, 
which crosses the road that leads from Durham to Philadelphia." Of 
the names signed to the petition are those of Henry Taylor, William 
Foulke, William Thomas, John Lester, Cephas Childs, John Childs, 
Isaac Childs, Henry Childs, William Yardley, Jonathan Foulke, Ed- 
ward Thomas, Thomas Thomas, Samuel Shaw, Theophilus Foulke, 
John Thomas, Abel Roberts and Benjamin Chapmam, nearly all of 



142 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

them members of the Society of Friends. The sign is the ' ' Cross 
Keys," the arms of the Papal See, and the emblem of Peter and his 
successors. 

Of the Doylestown landlords in the past, two are claimed to 
have descended from distinguished ancestry. William Watts and 
Crispin Blackfin of the Monument House, the former from Sir 
Thomas Watts High Sheriff and Lord Mayor of London 1595-1600, 
and the latter from Sir William Crispin, who accompanied William 
the Conqueror to England, 1066, and was knighted on the field of 
Hastings. 



XVI 
The Bench and the Bar. 

While it is not our purpose to write the history of the bench and 
bar, there is no reason the profession should not be accorded space in 
our volume, corresponding to their position in the community. Since 
Doylestown became the county seat, they have played an important 
part in its affairs, social, political, professional and otherwise, and "I'll 
not forget them now. ' ' ' 

Our county court was not presided over by a Judge, " learned in 
the law," prior to the early part of the last century. In 1806, Bird 
Wilson, whose father had been a member of the Federal constitutional 
convention, of 1787, and whom Washington considered the " father of 
the Constitution," was appointed President Judge of this district, com- 
posed of the counties of Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware. 
He took his seat in April, and, after serving twelve years, resigned to 
enter the church, i8r8, and was succeeded by John Ross, John Fox, 
Thomas Burnside, David Krause, Daniel M. Smyser, Henry Chap- 
man, Henry P. Ross, Stokes L. Roberts, Richard Watson, Har- 
mon Yerkes, and Mahlon H. Stout, the present incumbent. In the 
meantime, Bucks county had been created a separate district, and the 
office of Associate Judge abolished. If we had more space to indulge 
in this direction, and it were not beyond the scope of our work, we 
should delight to enrich our volume with a more extended notice than 
a mere mention of names, for their memory is worthy of it. 

In the twelve years, following the removal hither of the County 



I The bench and bar are both referred to in a previous chapter, that relat- 
ing to the removal of the county seat to Doylestown, but some repetition seemed 
unavoidable 

143 



144 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

seat, 1813-1825, there were fifteen admissions to the bar, only three of 
whom became prominent in the profession ^, Charles E. DuBois, ad- 
mitted 1820, Eleazer T. McDowell, 1822 and Henry Chapman, 1825. 
Of the remainder there were several of highly respectable talent, but a 
thousand and one obstructions stood in their way of climbing the lad- 
der that leads to fame in the legal profession; some have mistaken their 
calling discovering their error too late to remedy it; others lacked con- 
fidence in their own ability to cope with their seniors, forgetting the 
time would come when their seats would be vacant for their juniors 
to fill; while still others, becoming disgusted with the "law's delays" 
in bringing clients and fees sought new pursuits. Probably few, very 
few, realized the stubborn fact, that the law is a most jealous mistress, 
hardly second in this respect, to him who presides over the high 
court wherein the tender passion pleads at Cupid's bar. In the 
matter of legal success it seems to have been a case of the ' ' survival of 
the fittest." 

The three we name, as making the best showing of the fifteen, 
differed widely. DuBois, the eldest, had no gift nor taste for the for- 
ensic arena. He was more of a chamber lawyer than an advocate, and 
in his almost fifty years at the bar, skimmed the cream off the Or- 
phan's Court practice, the most lucrative of the courts. At his death 
he had been several years Dean of the Bar Association. In all his long 
life, on two occasions only, did he become charmed enough in politi- 
cal office to step aside from his profession and relinquish the "Con- 
nings of Rush and the Maxims of Kent." He was the second Post- 
master of Doylestown, and served one term as Clerk of the Orphan's 
Court. It was probably fortunate, for his professional success, that he 
early tested his likes and dislikes for political life. Had he left it later 
it might have wrecked his professional career with nothing to fall back 
on. Ofifice never brings fortune unless prostituted to the greed of 
gain and then not always on honest lines. 

Eleazer T. McDowell, the son of a Buckingliam farmer, and the 
silver-tonged advocate of the Bucks County Bar, was a noted man of 
his period. He was admitted, 1822.3 As an advocate he had no 

2 At the February term, 1824 the following lawyers were present in the bar: 
Abraham Chapman, John Fox, Robert Bethell, Jr., Alexander Moon, Jr., John 
Swift, Charles Meredith, George Grantham, Joseph Pickering, John Freedly, 
Levi Pawling, Albert Smith, (filbert Rodman, Jr., Charles E. DuBois, Henry 
Chapman, George Smith, Thomas Morris, Jr., John Wilkinson, Thomas Stew- 
art, Jr., Mathias' Morris, Francis B. Shaw, Thomas L. Boileau, Eleazer T. Mc- 
Dowell, and Charles Eastburn. Hon. Jolin Ross was the presiding Judge. 

3 At the residence of General Graciot, in Washington city, March 10, 1834, 
E. T. McDowell, Esq., to Miss Caroline Augustus Galvin, both of Doyles- 
town. Pa. 




ELEAZER T. McDOWELL, 1840. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 145 

equal, having the gift of eloquence in a remarkable degree, and his 
fine social qualities increased his popularity. The author heard him 
address a jury a few times, and it was a pleasure to listen to his per- 
suasive eloquence. His graceful delivery, and liquid flow of words, 
added to his other charms as a public speaker. He possessed a 
genial personality and so much resembled Daniel Webster in appear- 
ance, that, on one occasion at a National Convention, the populace 
wished to take the horses from his carriage and draw him through the 
streets, believing him to be the great "Godlike," but he would not 
allow them to do it. 

The location of McDowell's first ofifice we cannot recall, but, in 
the spring of 1830, he removed to the frame that stood about opposite 
the Doylestown Trust Company building, on the east side of North 
Main street and remained there to his death. His dwelling, almost 
adjoining his office, was subsequently occupied by George Lear,* then 
by George Hart who erected the present stone building on its site. 
Now that modest frame is doing service as a Green Grocerie at the 
northeast corner of South Main and York streets. 

Among McDowell's students was Emmet Quinn, a young man 
from one of the up river townships, admitted 1841. He had great 
fondness for mechanics, but the study of the law was distasteful, and 
he only yielded to his father's persuasion. Quinn was a graduate of 
Lafayette, and the family had means. He liked the practice of law 
no better than its study and so resolved, 

" The Gordian knot of it he will unloose," 
by taking French leave. One morning, in August, 1843, Doylestown 
was startled by the rumor that Mr. Quinn had disappeared over night. 
This created a profound sensation, for the young man was popular. He 
was advertised, far and near, but nothing was heard of him, his father 
promising to give him a favorite mill property and set him up in 
business, would he but return. No response being made to these 
appeals, he was given up for dead. Several years elapsed and nothing 
was heard of the truant son, but finally he turned up in the United 
States Patent Office. Washington, where he was employed as a"special 
examiner." His aspirations had been partially gratified, at least, 
and he died in his favorite pursuit. 5 

Mr. McDowell was something of a poet as well as a lawyer, as 

4 From a card, dated December ir, 1844, and published in Frank Sellers' 
Olive Branch, Lear was then in the office recently occupied by the late 
E. T. McDowell, Esq., with whom he had read law. 

5 At Doylestown, Nov. 29, 1831. Albert Smith, a member of the bar, and 
late member of the State Legislature, in his thirty-ninth year. 



146 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

the following ode will show. It was composed and recited by him on 
July 4, 1820, at a celebration at the "Sylvan Retreat," near Doyles- 
town: 

Hark! Hark! the drum attends the fife, 

In social union plighted; 
Freedom the cause— Freedom the life. 
Won by the patriots gory strife, 

When foe-like clouds benighted. 

Mid angry scenes of warlike flood, 

With freedom's sword inclining; 
Brave Washington undaunted stood, 
While o'er his brow the smiles of God 

Were graciously reclining. 

Hail, spirit chief! to thee we owe. 

To thee and thy attendants. 
The countless liberties that flow 
So envied by the jealous foe, 

God shield thee. Independence! 

Hail to the day ! — peace to the sires, 

That wrought our happy Eden, 
Strike, strike again, the timbrel wires. 
To those who quelled the hostile fires 

And lit the star of Freedom! 

Hail Independence ! martial pride — 

Thy bare, immortal sages; 
Borne on the surge of glory's tide, 
Thy royal stars majestic ride. 

High o'er the rock of ages. 

W^hen mad oppression stood to brave 

The pride of Freedom's numbers, 
Thy beams a golden sceptre gave. 
That led the tyrant to his grave. 

In death's eternal slumbers. 

See warmed by thy Creative ray, 

The gest of native glory; 
Our thousand streams of commerce play, 
And Art usurps rude Nature's way, 

The germs of future story. 

Proud Science with her bosom bare. 

Unfurls her searing pinion; 
And where the .Savage chill'd the air. 
The Virgin waves her golden liair 
In triumph of her Union ! 

Hail happy land !— home of the free ! 

To fragile mortals given; 
Blessed be thy seat — green be thy tree 
Thou are the soul, O, Liberty ! 

The choicest boon of Heaven ! 

While Mr. McDowell held pronounced political views, and was 
loyal to his party at the polls and elsewhere, he eschewed political 
office, and was never a candidate for any place with the exception of 
once being a Presidental elector, rej^resenting his party at National 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 147 

Conventions, and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1837- 
'38 to which he was elected, 1836, and occupied his seat to the end. 
He died March 12, 1845.^ He left three daughters and one son, Ed- 
ward Sayres McDowell, who was a Lieutenant in the 104th Penn- 
sylvania regiment and fell in the Cival war, at the battle of Fair Oakes, 
in front of Richmond. 

On the death of Mr. McDowell, the newspapers and bar paid 
proper respect to his memory. Of him the Intelligencer said : 

"The deceased was a man of much more than ordinary capacity; 
his person cast in one of Nature's most perfect moulds, contained a 
mind fitted to its tenement, and a heart that ever throbbed with the 
purest emotions of an extended philanthropy. He was beloved by all 
who enjoved the pleasure of his acquaintance; the enemy of no man; 
and we feel assured that no one could entertain for him anything 
approaching to a hostile feeling." 

At a meeting of the bar, Abraham Chapman, Esq., presiding, the 
following, among other resolutions were adopted; 

"Tiiat we entertain, with sentiments of deep emotion, the intel- 
ligence of the decease of E. T. McDowell, Esq., a dispensation of 
Divine Will, depriving our borough of a much respected citizen, our 
county of a talented and popular son and our bar of an honorable and 
eloquent member. 

"That we cheerfully give this tribute of respect to the memory of 
one who largely enjoyed the esteem of his fellow citizens in the va- 
rious capacities of an able jurist, a man of philanthropy, the kind 
neighbor, courteous gentleman and heart- warm friend." 

A romance attaches to Mr. McDowell's career, that is worth the 
telling. About 1830, a lady, an entire stranger, brought her well- 
grown daughter to Doylestown and put her to school, taking board 
for her where the young attorney made his home. 'The mother 
shortly left but never returned. For a time remittances, to pay the 
young girl's expenses, came regularly and then ceased. The landlady 
explained the matter to Mr. McDowell, who agreed to be responsible 
for her bills, to save the young girl from mortification, if she were not 
let into the secret. Things went on as usual. The acquaintance of 
the young people ripened into love and from love to marriage. Some- 
time afterward, when Mr. and Mrs. McDowell were at a public ball in 



6 Died, on Wednesday morning-, the 12th, instant, (March, 1845) at his 
residence in the borough of Doylestown, after a painful and prolonged iUness, 
E. T. McDowell, aged about 47 years. 



148 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Philadelphia, she complained to her husband that an elderly man, an 
entire stranger, had been looking at her constantly and she was much 
annoyed. Mr. McDowell asked for an explanation, which the 
stranger made by saying he believed the lady, he had been looking at, 
was "his long lost daughter. " Further explanation followed and the 
truth was reached. The stranger and his wife were living in the city 
of Mexico, and the mother brought the daughter to New York for medi- 
cal treatment. The physician recommended the girl be put to school in 
the country; an accident brought them to Doylestown. The mother is 
supposed to have been lost at sea, on her return home as she was 
never heard of. These facts were given to the author, many years 
ago, by an intimate friend of Mr. McDowell, who read law with him, 
and we believe them to be true. 

Mr. Chapman, the third and last of our legal group, differed from 
his two compeers in mental fibre and other qualities. He was not 
only an able lawyer, and schooled in all the intricacies of the pro- 
fession, but a scholarly man in general literature. As a speaker he 
was calm and deliberate but forcible, and, when fully aroused, was 
eloquent without making any pretense to it. lie always had weight 
with the jury. On one occasion we heard him close his case to the 
jury for the plaintiff at twilight. The candles and lamps were 
brought into the old court room to throw a little light on the scene, but 
the Court and jury were half obscured by their uncertain flickering. 
Mr. Chapman was in his best mood; the plaintiff was a woman living 
in the borough, and the verdict rendered saved her character. Mr. 
Chapman made a powerful speech, tli(^ jury retired but soon returned. 
The room was as still as death while the Clerk was taking the verdict for 
the case had excited great interest, and, when the foreman said, " we 
find for the plaintiff, $i, coo and cost," the audience had their inning in 
spite of the Court's command for " Silence." Mr. Chapman was fond 
of politics, and his success was attested by a seat in the State Senate, 
for one term, and in the House of Representatives of the United States, 
for one Congress, declining re-election. He also received honors in his 
profession, being elected President Judge of the Chester- Delaware, and 
the Bucks-Montgomery districts, where he earned new legal laurels. 

Among the young attorneys of this period, 1813-25, was Joseph 
Hough, admitted 1822, who met a violent death while hunting on the 
mountains near Mauch Chunk, December 9, 1826. Of this the 
Democrat gives the following account: 

"Mr. Hough, with some of his friends, was in pursuit of deer. 



DOYLESTOWN. OLD AND NEW. 149 

While the dogs were in pursuit of one, another bounded up near him 
and he cried out 'a buck.' At this instant, a lad of about fifteen 
years, immediately in Mr. Hough's rear, hastily drew his rifle from his 
shoulder, and, from some unknown cause, it went off, and the ball, as 
well as the powder and wadding, entered the back of his head and 
blew it literally to pieces. He expired instantly." 

In the following twenty-five years, 1825 to 1850, there were 
twenty-six admissions to the bar, ten of whom played prominent 
parts in life; Samuel A. Bridges, 7 1828; Thomas Ross, 1829; Stokes 
L. Roberts and Gilbert R. Fox, 1832; Caleb E. Wright, 1833; John 
Titus, 1840; George Lear, 1844; Edward J. Fox and Elias Carver, 
1845; Mahlon Yardley, Richard Watson, W. W. H. Davis, 1846; 
B. F. Fackenthall and Edward M. Paxson, 1850. Of this group, 
Roberts and Watson reached the Common Pleas Bench; Titus, bench 
U. S. District Court; Lear, Attorney-General, Pa. ; Bridges removed 
to AUentovvn, and was elected to Congress; Ross^ served two terms 
in Congress; Yardley one term in the State Senate; Elias Carver, 
District Attorney; W. W. H. Davis, U. S. District Attorney for New 
Mexico, filling other offices in that Territory and service in the army 
in the Mexican and Civil Wars. Of this group was Abel M. Griffith, 9 
who served one term in the Legislature. In the next filteen years 
there were nineteen admissions to the bar, of which N. C. James, 
1 85 1, filled the office of District Attorney two terms. 

Henry P. Ross, 1859, Common Pleas bench of Bucks and 
Montgomery; B. F. Fisher, i860. Chief Signal officer U. S. A., Civil 
war; B. F. Gilkeson, 1864, died 1903, Second Comptroller, U. S. 
Treasury; and State Bank Commissioner, George Ross, 1864, one term 
in State Senate; Harman Yerkes,'° 1865, one term in State Senate, 
twice elected to the Common Pleas Bench, candidate for Supreme 
Court Bench in 1901. The Rosses are a race of lawyers. 

Among the young attorneys admitted to this bar, 1832, and 



7 In 1901, the Rev. S. A. Bridges Stopp, nephew of Samuel A. Bridges, 
Esq., was called to the pastorate of the Lutheran Church, Doylestown. 

8 At Norristown, November 18, 1832, by the Rev. John Reynolds, Thomas 
Ross, Esq., of Doylestown, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Levi Paulding. 

9 At New Britain, of consumption, September 10, 1846, Abel M. Griffith, 
in his 35th year. 

10 Harman Yerkes is a descendant of Anthony Yerkes, an immigrant from 
Germany, who settled at Germantown about 1700, and removed to the 
Manor of Moreland, then in Philadelphia county, now Montgomery, in 1709. 
His father was Stephen Yerkes, and his mother, Amy Hart, daughter of the 
Rev. Thomas B. Montanye, a distinguished Baptist Clergyman of Southamption. 
Judge Yerkes was born in Warminster, where his father and mother lived 
and died. 



I50 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

thought of settling here, was William Strong, of Philadelphia. The 
motion for his admission was made by Charles Evans, of whom we 
know nothing. Mr. Strong subsequently settled at Lancaster and had 
a distinguished career, finally reaching the bench of the Supreme 
Court of the United States. Samuel A. Bridges came to Doylestown, 
from Connecticut and was admitted Dec. 9, 1828, on motion of James 
M. Porter. His card first appeared iri the Bucks County Intelligencer, 
of Dec. 22, when he occupied the office of the late Mathias Morris, be- 
tween Mr. Field's inn, (site of the Monument House) and Mr. 
Yardley's store (site of the Armstrong building). The office was 
probably in the Robert Thompson store house, torn down several 
years ago. 

George R. Grantham, who was admitted February 17, 1821, 
practiced two years at Hulmeville, then removed to Doylestown, and 
subsequently went west, where he died." Albert Smith, admitted to 
the bar in 1822, removed to Doylestown, 1826, and in his card, pub- 
lished in the newspapers, says he "solicits a share of the public pat- 
ronage," and promises his best efforts "to prove deserving." His 
office was "on the Main street next door below Mr. Bush's watch- 
maker shop, opposite the residence of J. Y. Shaw, Esq." This was 
the John Donnelly house corner of south Main and Oakland streets. 
On December 23, 1823, Charles Eastburn, a student in the office of 
Abraham Chapman, and son of the late Thomas Eastburn, formerly of 
Bucks County, later of Wilmington, Del. ; George W. Smith, son of 
General Samuel A. Smith, and John Wilkinson, son of Colonel Elisha 
Wilkinson students in the office of Mathias Morris, were admitted to 
the bar. Wilkinson died, 1832. 

Stokes L. Roberts practiced at Newtown, his place of birth, from 
his admission, 1832 to 1841 when he removed to Doylestown, his of- 
fice being on the block in front of the Court house. In 1844 Mr. 
Roberts built the double brick dwelling on East Court street, next 
door but one to Broad, was commissioned to the Common Pleas bench 
in December, 1872, but resigned the following January. Of the three 
sons of Judge Fox, Gilbert Rodman, the elder, settled in practice at 
Norristown, and Edward a younger brother, at Easton. Both reach- 
ed distinguished places in the profession. Louis R. , the youngest son 
of Judge Fox, after reading law and practicing a brief period, left the 
profession and entered the church, becoming a prominent Presbyterian 

II At McDonnough Point, Ills., February 9, 1836, George R. Grantham, 
formerly Attorney at Law, Doylestown. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 151 

Clergyman. They are all dead. Mr. Wright, who came from Wilkes- 
barre, was a good speaker, and, in the latter years of his life, was 
licensed to preach. Judge Wilson, on his resignation, was succeeded 
by John Ross, '^ who, being shortly appointed to the Supreme bench 
on the death of Judge Todd, 1830, John Fox took his place the same 
year, serving until 1841. Thomas Burnside succeeded Fox, but the 
former being raised to the Supreme bench, 1845, David Krause, of 
Harrisburg, succeeded him as President Judge of the district. Our 
subsequent President Judges were elected under an amendment to the 
State Constitution. 

Samuel D. Ingham was appointed Prothonotary of the County 
April, 1 8 18 and removed with his family to Doylestown, but being 
appointed Secretary of the Commonwealth, the following year, quali- 
fied and took charge of the office, his family remaining here, his wife 
dying, 1819. '^ It will be remembered that Mr. Ingham was Secretary 
of the Treasury under General Jackson. For a part of this period 
Samuel Hart and Robert Smith were Associate Judges. Hart being 
appointed, 1814 and resigning 1818, when William Watts succeeded 
him. 

Isaac Hall, father of the late Samuel Hall, was appointed Court 
Crier by Judge Wilson, and of him John D. James, his successor, told 
the following story in connection with the duties of that office. When 
Judge Fox was on the bench he did not like the way Mr. James 
opened and closed court, the latter by saying "May God bless the 
Commonwealth," the Judge telling him he should say "May God 
bless the Honorable Court." James then related to the Judge this 
anecdote of Hall, that, on one occasion, when disgruntled by some- 
thing he concluded the opening of the Court by saying: "May God 
bless this damnable Court," ran out of the room and never returned. 
James said to Judge Fox if he made any change he was afraid he 
might fall into the same mistake as Hall, whereupon the Judge re- 
plied, "well, you had better keep on in the old way." 

In 1830 Court officials, outside of the Judges, were, Prothon- 

12 Judge Ross received a portion of his education at the Southampton Class- 
ical School. 

13 At Doylestown, August 20, 1819 and, on the iSth anniversary of her mar- 
riage, Rebecca Ingham in the 40th year of her age, consort of Samnel D. Ing- 
ham, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Unwearied in her zeal, 
by precept and example and an extensive beneficence in promoting the cause of 
her Divine Lord; ardent, firm and consistent in her piet), she was an affection- 
ate wife, a tender mother, a kind neighbor and an estimable friend. After a 
long and painful illness, which she supported with Christain patience and sub- 
mission, she resigned her spirit into the hands of her Redeemer, in the full belief 
and hope of a glorious immortality through the merits of His atonement." 



152 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

otary, William Purdy; Register, Andrew Heller; Recorder, Michael 
Desch and Clerk of Orphans Court, William Carr. Mr. Purdy, '4 the 
Prothonotary, dying in office was succeeded by Dr. Charles H. 
Mathews, and the Doylestown Democrat published the following 
obituary; 

"It would seem almost superfluous, were it not for custom, to 
say anything of a man so universally known for more than a quarter 
of a century in the district in which he resided. He was a public 
man. He served for many years as a representative in the state Legis- 
lature, and was repeatedly a candidate of one of the great parties for 
higher offices. He took much interest in the great questions that 
have agitated our country; and was always firm in his opinions, and 
decided in his course; such was his unobtrusive gendeness, and regard 
for the feelings of others, that he died, we believe, even without a 
political enemy. In private life, the strict integrity and urbanity of 
his manners, endeared him to many friends, who, with his afflicted 
family, mourn this too early bereavement. He served in the "Whis- 
key Insurrection" and commanded a company of riflemen in Colonel 
Humphrey's regiment, in 1814". 

Among the distinguished Attorneys of Philadelpia, practicing 
from time to time at the Dovlestown bar, after the removal of the seat 
of Justice to Doylestown, were Nicholas Biddle and Horace Binney, 
both in 1822, the latter trying a case that year. At the February 
term, 1829, there was no criminal business before the Court, and not a 
single indictment to send to the grand jury. The bench, bar and 
Deputy Attorney General were ready, but no criminals. At the same 
court not a civil case was tried, and the jury was discharged without 
a verdict. Those virtuous times are passed and gone, never to re- 
turn, we fear. 

Edward M. Paxson, son of Thomas Paxson, Buckingham, read 
law with Judge Chapman, and was admitted to the bar, April 24, 
1850. He opened an office and lived in what was known as the 
"Michener" house. East Court street, on the site of the Dr. Groff 
dwelling, and the next door but one to Pine street. Alter practicing 
here, for a few years, Mr. Paxson removed to Philadelphia where he 
was appointed, and afterwards elected, to the Common Pleas, and Su- 
preme bench, reaching, in turn, the seat of Chief Justice. 

In the recent past, the Doylestown bar has lost, by death, four of 

14 " At Doylestown, on Friday, May 30, 1834, William Purdy, Esq., in the 
65th year of his age, of pulmonary consumption, Prothonatary of the Court of 
Common Pleas of Bucks county." 




JUDGE HENK^■ CIIAI'MAN. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 153 

its members, Paul H. Applebach, S. Ferdinand Long, Robert M. 
Yardley and B. F. Gilkyson, who enjoyed the reputation of being 
able lawyers, and were making their mark in their profession. Mr. 
Yardley and Gilkyson were active and influential in their party, and 
both were the recipients of important public trusts. Mr. Applebach 
was of Bucks county birth, while Mr. Long was a native of Wurtem- 
burg, Germany, but came to this country when a child. 

Almost half a century ago, the members of the bar effected an 
organization to which they gave the name of "The Association of the 
bar of Bucks County." The main object was to regulate the fees by 
making them uniform in amount and raising the Esprit de corps 
among the members. At the first recorded meeting, January 29, 
1853, those present signed the agreement, and, on April 28, Charles 
E. DuBois was elected president, Mahlon Yardley secretary, and a 
committee, "of the senior members", Messrs. DuBois, Ross and Rob- 
erts, were appointed to revise the tariff of fees. The original members, 
whose names were enrolled on the minutes, were Charles E. DuBois, 
Thomas Ross, S. L. Roberts, John B. Pugh, C. E. Wright, George 
Hart, George H. Mitchener, George Lear, Elias Carver, Edward J. 
Fox, Mahlon Yardley, Richard Watson, W. W. H. Davis, E. Morris 
Lloyd, N. C. James, L. B. Thompson and James Gilkyson. The 
second annual meeting, was held at Kramer's Hotel, Doylestown, 
Monday evening, January 2, 1854, with the following attendence; 
DuBois, Pugh, James Gilkinson, Hart, Michener, Lear, Yardley, 
Watson, Lloyd and James. The organization is still maintained under 
the name of "The Legal Association" and is annually emphasized by 
a good dinner, going all the way to Philadelphia, on two or three 
occasions, to get it. In the lapse of almost half a century, since the 
society was organized, it has long since passed into new hands, but 
two of the original members surviving, Elias Carver and W. W. H. 
Davis. It has proved a benefit to the bar, at least from a professional 
standpoint if not otherwise. Elias Carver, the oldest surviving member 
of the Bucks county bar, is the Dean of the profession and still in 
practice. 

If the personal, and professional, history of the bar of Doyles- 
town in the past could be written, it would vield much that's interest- 
ing and entertaining. As we are about to close the chapter on our pro- 
fessional brethren, we pen a paragraph we hope may repay the read- 
ing, although but two are living who will appreciate it at its full value. 

In the forties and early fifties, while Judges Krause and Smyser 



154 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

were on the bench, the Citizen's House was their headquarters while 
Court was in session. This made it the resort of the bar. After 
Court had adjourned for the day, it was not unusual to see almost the 
entire number of attorneys at this popular hostelry spending all, or part 
of the evening, talking politics, discussing points of law, and indulging 
in jokes, not infrequently seasoned with pungent wit. When the 
weather was mild enough to sit out, they gathered on the broad pave- 
ment in front of the house. The late Thomas Ross took great de- 
light in these social-professional gatherings, and was the life of the 
assemblage. His gold snuff box played no mean part, for when that 
was taken out, the lid tapped and removed and passed around, it was 
equivalent to serving notice on the company there was fun ahead, and 
more than one fellow member was sure to suffer. If a brother 
possessed a weakness, it was sure to be punctured, and, by common 
consent, when wit began to sparkle each one had to lookout for him- 
self. Evan the dignity of the judicial armour failed, at times, to ward 
off a thrust of the lance; whatever may have been the effect of a 
thrust at the victim, he had the good sense to laugh with the rest. Of 
that jolly crowd, all have rendered their final account with the excep- 
tion of Elias Carver, Esq., and the author. 's 

The Attorneys, who graduated and were admitted, at Doylestown, 
have been fortunate in reaching the bench, at home and abroad, some 
achieving this honor in the most distant part of the Union. Among 
those, who reached the wool sack, was Henry W. Scott, of Newtown, 
who read law with E. Morris Lloyd, Esq., and admitted in 1867. He 
setded in practice at Easton, Pa., and, some years after, was elected to 
the bench, which he now worthily fills. Judge Scott's son was an 
officer in Admiral Dewey's fleet at the naval battle of Manilla. A full 
list of the attorneys, who studied here and were admitted to this bar, 
but afterward reached the bench elsewhere would make a long and 
honorable roll. Judge Harvey is mentioned elsewhere. 

15 In Chapter XXX, on Historic Families, some of the members of the bar 
are spoken of at greater length, as it seemed a more befitting place. 



XVII 
Social Life in the Past. 

While the Social life of Doylestown, in the past, differed in 
many respects from the present, there is a charm in calling it up. In 
rural communities, the world over, the recreations of a people, outside 
the domestic circle, are necessarily limited. With increased facilities, 
for going abroad, young and old rely less on home for their amuse- 
ments and pleasures, and, as applied to Doylestown, they more 
frequently came here fifty years ago than at the present day. Now 
people go away from home to seek amusements; the trolley is rapidly 
becoming an important factor in revolutionizing social life; and public 
and private functions are more closely allied in the twentieth than in 
the nineteenth century. Not infrequently social, patriotic and political 
features are commingled in the same gathering. Our people, doubtless, 
get more fun out of life, but whether their manners and culture are 
improved is a question for others to answer. What the world calls 
" Society" has been revolutionized in the last half century. 

The first amusement, of any kind, that we have heard of as coming 
to Doylestown to amuse and entertain its people, that is of record, 
was on Monday evening, August 13, 1804. According to Asher 
Miner's newspaper, then just established, one Rennie gave a " wonder- 
ful exhibition" at Mr. Harvey's tavern, and, among the performances, 
was that "wonderful manoeuvre of breaking with a hammer twenty 
or thirty gold and silver watches." He also introduced an " Arti- 
ficial Swan," and a " Philosophical Fish," with other attractions: 

The first fourth of July celebration, at Doylestown, we have note 
of, was in 1806, held by the "Sons of Freedom. " As the Union 

155 



156 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Academy, built two years before, was the only suitable place for such 
occasion it was held there, and the president of the day was Samuel 
Fell. After the literary exercises were through with, the senior class 
of students, with a number of their friends, marched in procession to 
Worman's tavern, now the Clear Spring, and partook of an entertain- 
ment. Can the reader see, with his mind's eye, that little band of 
celebrants marching across lots, for there were no streets then, to the 
Easton road, and down the long slope of Lyman's hill, not a dwelling 
the whole distance, except the Russell, and Musgrave houses on the 
east side of North Main street, for such was the situation ninety eight 
years ago. The following is one of the toasts that has come down to 
us from that celebration; 

" The fair of Bucks county; may they love merit, if they wish 
to merit love." 

What festivities were held, meanwhile, we have no means of telling, 
until we come to 1817, fours years after Doylestown became the seat 
of justice, when we note another Fourth of July celebration. This 
was in the Court House; toasts were drunk in the "flowing bowl," 
and the Bucks County Rangers, under Captain William Magill, were 
present to lend zest and give a martial tinge to the occasion. 

Among the organizations at Doylestown, in the long past, was 
the "Social Dozen" that came into life, 1820. The first meeting 
was held the evening of December 14, and it was in working order 
by the 28th, when the Constitution and By-Laws were adopted, and 
the following ofificers elected: President, Dr. James S. Rich; vice 
president, E. T. McDowell; secretary, L. Deffebach; and treasurer, 
A. Smith. The purpose of the society was for debating purposes 
and the number limited to twelve. The following named persons 
appear to have been the original members but the constitution was 
never signed by them; Robert Bethel, Charles E. DuBois, Henry 
Chapman, E. T. McDowell, Dr. James S. Rich, Lewis Deffebach, 
Edward Grifhng, Albert Smith, Joseph Hough, Gilbert Rodman, 
Thomas Morris and Thomas Stewart. The first debate was on the 
evening of December 28, 1820; "Which is the most useless, or crim- 
inal character, the miser or the spendthrift ?" The last entry in the 
Recorder's book was made April 17, 1823, when the "Social Twelve" 
probably wound up and passed into history. 

On St. John's Day, 1824, the Benevolent Lodge of Masons 
honored the day, assisted by Lodges from Philadelphia and Mont- 
gomery county. The procession was led by the Doylestown band 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 157 

under Captain Charles F. Beckel, the Chief Marshall being Joseph 
Hough. An address was delivered by Mathias Morris, Esq. and 
dinner served at Kohl's and Marple's taverns. 

August 7, same year, Doylestown was stirred by an " Harvest 
Home" celebration, possibly the first of the kind gotton up by the 
citizens and military, and held on Baring's island in the Neshaminy 
near Castle Valley bridge. A procession marched from Marple's 
tavern, about 12 o'clock led by the Hatboro and Doylestown bands 
in uniform, to the grove on the island. Refreshments were first 
served and then Thomas Stewart, Esq. addressed the audience in an 
" appropriate and interesting manner." 

In 1826, the Fourth of July celebration was a little off color, as a 
pure patriotic performance, for a dish of party politics was served up 
with it. This was held at the Green Tree tavern, by the "Demo- 
cratic-Republicans" of Doylestown, a combination that would not 
pass muster at the opening of the twentieth century. John Pugh was 
presiding officer, assisted by John S. Benezet, then Prothonotary. 
Among the volunteer toasts was the following, by Charles E. DuBois, 
Esq.: "George Wolf, our representative in Congress; a gentleman 
entitled to our respect and esteen." 

On the evenings of June 23 and 24, 1829, " A grand equestrian 
performance," was given at the public house of Jacob Kohl, the whole 
concluding with the two clowns, Messrs. Gallen and Hoofmaster. 
Admission, 25 cents. 

In the winter of 1832, the town was enlivened by a menagerie, 
but how many had been at the County capital prior to this, we are not 
informed. This one the author distinctly remembers; he was here a 
boy at school, and it was the first time he had gazed upon so much 
natural history in the wild animal line. As the king of beasts stood out 
prominent in his sight, he made the lion the subject of a composition 
the following Saturday, his first attempt. He is still in possession of 
this master piece of school composition, and if the lion died young we 
may know what to attribute it to. 

In 1835 social life took a turn in a new direction, the "Doyles- 
town Club" was organized. There may have been previous clubs for 
a similar, different or kindred purpose, but this is the first record we 
have fallen upon. It was for public debating purposes, and on Thurs- 
day evening, February 5, the following question was handled, pre- 
sumably "without gloves:" "Is there more to be admired in the 



158 DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 

northern and eastern cast of character than the southern?" We have 
no record of the disputants. The club had probably been annoyed 
by unruly boys for after that they were to be excluded from the room. 
This rule would argue that boys, sixty years ago, were no more an- 
gelic in their behavior than now. The club was still in existance 
in the winter of 1838, and had become a literary feature of the town. 
On Thursday evening, March i, the members debated the following 
question, which luid begun to disturb our national statesmen as well 
as those of Doylestown: 

" Ought Texas to be admitted into the Union ? " 

At this time A. Dungan was secretary — probably the late 
Asher Dungan. On the following Fourth of July, the occasion was 
celebrated on the bank of the Neshaminy, by the "Wolf men of 
Doyletown and vicinity." The Declaration of Independence was 
read by John B. Pugh, Esq., and C. E. Wright, Esq., delivered the 
oration. In the afternoon a company of ladies and gentlemen met 
in a grove near the village, partook of refreshments and listened to 
excellent music by the band. 

On Thursday, August 17, 1836, a Harvest Home celebration, of 
more than ordinary pretentions, was held at Doylestown. The 
ceremonies were initiated the afternoon before, by the arrival of the 
Union Fenciblcs from Philadelphia, in command Captain Robert 
M. Lee. They were met by the Doylestown Grays, Captain C. H. 
Mathews, accompanied by the Bethlehem band, half a mile below town 
and escorted to tlieir quarters. In the evening the band gave a con- 
cert in the Court house, with songs in English and German. The 
following morning, the dwellings and public houses were handsomely 
decorated, and the people began coming into town early. Besides 
Captain Lee's company, and the Doylestown Grays, the military con- 
sisted of the Union Troop, Captain Wm. McHenry, Captain Gilbert's 
Company of Infantry, and a detachment of the First National Troop, 
Captain Miles, Philadelphia. The procession, under the escort of the 
military and led by General William T. Rogers, Chief Marshall, and 
Colonel Thomas Purdy and Captain John Robbarts. assistants, marched 
out to the grove. The address was delivered by E. T. McDowell, 
Esq., the Rev. Silas M. Andrews conducted the Religious exercises 
in English, and the Rev. William B. Kemmerer in German. After 
these were concluded the military gave an exhibition drill in an ad- 
joining field, and then the procession marched back to town. The 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. i59 

military dined at the taverns of Mrs. Buck and Mr. James and, shortly 
after, left town. The af!air was a great success. 

In 1840, Professor Wise, the celebrated Areonant, made a bal- 
loon ascension at Doylestown, probably the first one here. 

In August, 1842, two Harvest Home celebrations were held in 
Doylestown"^ one on the 6th, the other on the 20th, the former being 
a temperance affair, attended by several temperance societies of the 
county. After marching through the village the company repaired to 
the Court house, where the Rev. Samuel Aaron, an elegant speaker, 
delivered the address. The second on Saturday, the 20th, was of the 
ordinary kind. The former we believe to have been the first time the 
County Temperance Societies united for such celebration. In 1845, 
August 22, the "Sons of Temperance" held a celebration in Riale's 
grove, marching there from the Court house where the procession 
was formed, led by the Doylestown Brass Band. The members of 
the societies were in regalia, that of Doylestown, called the "Olive 
Branch Division," carried a handsome banner painted by Samuel 
F. DuBois. One of the speakers was George Lear, Esq., of Doyles- 
town, recently admitted to the bar. 

In 1844, Independence day was celebrated with unusual eclat. 
The exercises were held in the Court house. Caleb N. Taylor read- 
ing the Declaration and the Honorable Samuel D. Ingham delivering 
the oration. He was the most distinguished man in the county and 
listened to with great interest. These exercises were followed by 
a dinner to the committee and guests at Brock's Citizens' House, and 
refreshments were served to the ladies and children in the Court 
house yard. An interesting feature of this occasion was the presence 
of Captain Alden Partridge's company of cadets under arms, from 
his mititary school at "China Retreat," near Bristol. They came up 
on the 3rd and returned on the 5th, marching the whole distance. 
They were accompanied by a baggage wagon, for the lame and halt, 
and the rations. Some of the boys were hardly more than twelve 
years old. They attracted great attention. The Doylestown Grays 
turned out to receive them and joined in the procession. At the 
dinner toasts were read, after the cloth was removed, by Dr. Charles 
H. Mathews, toast master. 

The following year, the Fourth of July programme was somewhat 
different. The day was ushered in by firing a salute from the brass 6 
pounder of the Diller Artillerists, while the band played patriotic airs 
on the portico roof of the Court house. At 1 2 a national salute was 



i6o DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

fired from "Mount Timothy," an elevated piece of ground on the 
southwestern edge of the borough, now cut through by streets. In 
the afternoon there was a public picnic in Riale's Grove, on the 
n(>rthvvest edge of the town, and the festivities of the day were con- 
cluded with dancing in the Court house in the evening. The Demo- 
crat, in s[)eaking of the band playing on the Court house portico 
roof says : "It enlivened the morning with the soul-stirring strains 
of music as it broke forth in loud and heart-softening melodies, drown- 
ing all the feelings but those the most patriotic." The musical critic 
of the Democrat seems to have been very much affected, but doubt- 
less survived it. 

About this time the lecture fever broke out and continued, off 
and on, for several years. The first in it was David Paul Brown, 
Philadelphia, who lectured for the benefit of the Methodist Episcopal 
church, February i6, 1844; on Tuesday evening, October 21, 1845, 
the Rev. John Chaml)ers, Philadelphia, in the Presbyterian church, 
subject, "The value of Scriptures and the value of circulating them;" 
Colonel John W. Forney, Philadelphia, Saturday evening, November 
22, subject, "Our country and its people;" and Tuesday evening 
December 16, Morton McMichael, of Philadelphia, subject not 
mentioned. From this record, the Quaker City was quite largely 
drawn upon for the mental and social entertainment of Doylestown. 
The "Doylestown Scientific and Literary Institute" was in operation 
in 1846, but we do not know when it was organized nor how long it 
lived. On one evening, of that year, George Lear, Esq., lectured 
before it on the subject; "Which is the most dangerous to human 
conduct precipitation or procrastination?" On Friday evening, Jan- 
uary 20th, Colonel Thomas W. Dufiield, of Frankford, Philadelphia 
county, lectured at Doylestown but the subject has not come down 
to us. Colonel Dufifield was a man of some considerable note in the 
social and political life of that period. 

We now come to the era of picnics, a social function that afforded 
all who participated, and not unfrequently the lookers on, a deal of 
pleasure and amusement. They became the fashion in the early 
forties, and, by the middle of the decade had developed into affairs of 
social importance. If anything, Doylestown took the lead. The 
late John J. Brock was one of the leading spirits, probably the fore- 
most, and no event gave more solid enjoyment to the young. One 
was held at Doylestown every year for several years. That of July 
4, 1845, in Harvey's grove, the general place for holding them, was 




SAMUEL F. Dubois. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. i6i 

a noted affair. Two hundred of both sexes were present; tables were 
spread with elegant reh'eshments; during the afternoon there was 
dancing in the grove, and, in the Court House in the evening, the 
Doylestown brass band furnishing the music. 

The picnic held in Harvey's grove, August 6, 1847, the reporter 
of the Bucks County Intelligencer gives an elaborate account of, and, 
quoting from his report he said the following : 

' ' The crowd of vehicles came from all points of the compass — 
dust flying, horses reeking, ribbons fluttering and happy hearts beat- 
ing. From the shores of the Delaware to those of the Schuylkill, and 
as far north as the boundary of Penn's purchase, fixed by the Indian 
Walk, the gallantry and beauty of the land came pouring in. 
From the city, from Norristown, Bethlehem and every village along 
the Delaware, and town and borough of midland Bucks, there were 
delegates fair as the Causcasian mountains ever submitted to the 
polished mirror's face. 

"At about ten in the morning, the guests began moving towards 
the grove, where a dancing floor of spacious dimentions had been 
laid down. From this time, until ten at night, the road was covered 
with vehicles of all descriptions, going and coming, racing and flying. 
Our two townsmen of the livery, Weikel and Booz, each with an 
omnibus (renowned sons of the ribbon and the whip!) performed 
prodigies that might have amazed the charioteers on the olympian 
plain. The dancing began — the waving and undulating of wreaths 
and gauzes and flounces, the glittering of sapphires, of bracelets, of 
strings of pearl, diamonds and emeralds, breastpins and cameos, gar- 
lands and buckels, silks, lawns and cambrics, laces vainly aiming to 
hide the alabaster underneath them, and embroidery creeping zig-zag 
mazes like gamble electricity in the cloud." 

" A long table, canopied by the umbrageous boughs, presented a 
delectable spectacle to the undinnered multitude; and, when the 
signal came, most ample devotion was paid to the delicious collation. 
It were vain to attempt any description of the dulcet freight 
under which the table groaned; there was the whole family of cakes 
to the utmost generation, from the jumble to the mountain patriarch, 
thatched with evergreen, and cap'd like alpine summit with its glitter- 
ing dome of snow. Then beef and tongue, ham and bacon, thrown in by 
way of substantial props amid the more fanciful and less stable viands. 
There was lemonade with mid-winter coldness, and ice-cream with a 



i62 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

chill not unworthy the Arctic circle, and a flavor that would credit the 
Tropic of Capricorn. 

' ' Then came night, and the grove turned into a Champs Elyses. 
The noble arch o'er head, formed by the towering oaks, became a 
firmament studded with lamps and torches. The way- lost wanderer, 
suddenly encountering the scene, might well have mistaken the spot 
for one of fabled enchantment, where nymphs and fairies were tripping 
to music made by kindred spirits of their magic realms. But before 
the meridian as some child of song has dubbed it, the noon of night 
came on, the threaders of the mazy dance had vanished, the lights 
were gone, the last neigh of the steed and footfall on the leafy turf, 
ceased to be heard. ' ' ' 

One of the features, of the Doylestown picnics of 1840-50, was that 
of the committe paying the entire expense, and they who attended 
were guests in reality, coming by card invitation. Similar social 
affairs were held in neighboring counties, but the ones at Doylestown 
were conceded to be the most enjoyable. On one occasion a dele- 
gation from Doylestown drove over to the Yellow Springs, Chester 
county. "Harvey's Grove," the place of holding picnics here, was 
the timber at present belonging to the Oakland property and fronting 
on West Court street. 

The picnic period that had its birth in the forties, lasted, to some 
extent, through the fifties, and was revived at the close of the Civil War 
in the sixties, but gave up the ghost in the early seventies. Their life 
was prolonged, somewhat, by the erection of the large exhibition 
building ,1866, but the picnic, to those who knew, and enjoyed this 
social function from 1840 to 1852, now lives only in history and will 
never be revived. The erection of Doylestown Seminary spoiled 
Harvey's grove for picnic purposes, and the cutting down of Riale's 
woods did the same for that beautiful piece of timber. The last pic- 
nic at Doylestown, before the Civil War, was held September 5, i860, 
of which a pretty full account was given in the papers of that day. It 
took place in Harvey's grove, and N. P. Brower, E'dwin Fretz, Theo- 
dore P. Harvey, E. L. Rogers, J. W. Cowell, T. W. Robinson, E, 
W. Knight, George H. Rees, John Blair, J. S. Rhoads, Benjamin 
Cadwallader, M. S. Stewart, W. C. Warford, J. H. Harvey, M. O. 
Kulp and Henry L. DuBois were managers; and the floor managers, 

I We hope the author survived this effusion, and, as his death notice is 
not found anions; ;our obituaries, we presume he did, but, was never heard 
from again in similar strains. It almost takes one's breath! 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 163 

ex-Sheriff Joseph S. Ely, William DuBree and John Harman. For a 
period they were held annually, in the Exhibition building, and one 
of the last was on Thursday, August 15, 1872, when the building was 
lighted with old locomotive headlights, borrowed from the North Penn 
railroad. The music stand was in one wing of the building, and, 
right back of it, Connard Hahl furnished refreshments to the gay 
crowd. The picturesqueness, of the social gatherings, was spoiled 
when the invited guests came and returned by train. Among the 
masters of ceremonies, of these latter day picnics, were Charles H. 
Magill, H. H. Gilkeson, John Hart and Henry Lear, who live to re- 
count their exploits to their children. 

About the beginning of the fifties a coterie of our young people, 
some in their teens and others older, formed a social organization and, 
for want of a better name, called it the "Bob Narrative Society." 
It met once a week at different houses for social enjoyment, with a 
little fun and a trifle of literary culture thrown in. At that time a 
resident of the borough, and one of the brightest young men in the 
village, was in his prime, and wrote much for the papers. On one 
occasion he tried his caustic quill on the "Bob Narrative" and lam- 
med the members in the columns of the Doylestown Democrat. This 
was resented, and the following shortly appeared in the Bucks County 
Intelligencer , in response: 

"At a special meeting of the 'Bob Narrative Society,' held at 
the house of Mrs. Fuzzlegudgeon, 'Hannah Hateful' was called to 
the chair and 'Hypocritical Emily' appointed secretary, whereupon 
'Crafty Abigail' arose and stated the object of the meeting. The 
chair now appointed 'Ruth Tattler,' 'Lucy Meddler' and 'Crafty 
Abigail' a committee to report a preamble and resolutions expressive 
of the sense of the society on the subject under consideration. The 
committee, having retired, returned in a few minutes and reported the 
following: 

"Whereas of this borough, the head and front of that mod- 

ern school of literature, which 'always lives upon the perfumed breath of 
sympathy,' or 'like a dark ringlet resting upon a green mantilla 
stretches out the turnpike,' has been pleased to come down from his 
resting place, 'in brilliant gorgeousness amid the twinkling stars and 
gorgeous planets,' and compliments the society of which we are mem- 
bers, we feel in duty bound to express our appreciation of the flatter- 
ing notice. We assure this distinguished individual that we fully 
appreciate his intellectual effort in our behalf, and his pains-taking to 



i64 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

spread the ' euphonious and intellectual designation ' of our society 
abroad among the people; and we are quite happy our honorable and 
ancient society has been the channel through which his over-charged 
intellect has been given vent, and his head prevented from bursting. 
It is so very seldom such among the literati condescend to dismount 
from their Pegassus and notice the dwellers on this poor, dull earth of 
ours, it is more necessary, on this occasion, to mete our award of 
praise. We take delight in doing impartial justice to his literary 
merit, and have no hesitancy in pronouncing him one of the greatest 
ass-piring geniuses of modern times; and his far fetched figures, and 
' deep, glowing and untold erudition have added much to the wealth 
of the literary world. His acquirements, literary and other labors, 
have been so varied we can apply to him the following lines from 

Dryden : 

' A man so various, that he seem'd to be 
Not one, but all mankind's epitome; 
Stiff in opinions, always in the wrong, 
Was everything by starts and nothing long: 
But in the course of one revolving moon 
Was chemist, fiddler, statesman and buffoon.' 

" We are pleased the name of this society has given rise to a 
literary production that will be placed in the same category with 
' Orphan Jane' and 'Time and its Home Faults,' which, though we 
are not able to appreciate them, are said to be, in regard to their 
beauties and merits, as 'varied as are the pumpkins in a corn field. 
Therefore: 

" Resolved. That being fully impressed with the literary merits 
of the Bard of Doylestown, he is hereby tendered the thanks of this 
society for his complimentary notice in the Doylestown Democrat, of 
the eighth inst. and that the said article be filed among the records of 
the society for future reference. 

" Resolved. That the chair is ordered to have made and present 
to him a leather medal as a reward for the gallant manner in which he 
writes and speaks of the young ladies of this place. 

"Resolved. That these proceedings be signed by the officers 
and published in the Bucks County Intelligencer. On motion the 
meeting adjourned. "^ 

(Signed) " Hannah Hateful," 
" Hypocritical Emily," Secretary. President. 

Doylestown has had but three organizations that approached Club 

2 The foregoing will be better understood by our saying the quotations, 
except that from Dryden, are from the writings of the assailant of the " Bob 
Narrative Society." 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 165 

life, so called, and these were not strictly so, the " Social Dozen " in 
the early part of the century, the " T. O. S. Club" in the last quarter 
and the " Acorn Club," organized near its close, and the only one in 
existence. The first meeting of the latter was in December, 1893, 
when members of the committee, appointed to prepare rooms, met at 
the office of Robert M. Yardley. Henry O. Harris was called to the 
chair and John Yardley chosen secretary. On motion, the following 
committees were appointed: On furniture, paper and carpets, 
Frederick Tibbils, William C. Newell and Henry O. Harris; finance, 
George P. Brock, William C. Newell and John Yardley; janitor, 
George P. Brock and R. M. Yardley; name, Harman Yerkes, Henry 
O. Harris and R. M. Yardley. The next meeting was held at the 
same place, January 6, 1894, Mr. Harris acting as chairman and John 
Yardley, secretary. It was proposed to keep the list of charter mem- 
bers open for ten days; the committee on name reported in favor of 
" Acorn Club," with the motto, " Tall oaks from little acorns grow," 
which was adopted. The following officers were elected by ballot for 
the ensuing year: president, Harman Yerkes; vice president, Robert M. 
Yardley; treasurer, T. O. Atkinson; secretary, John Yardley; board 
of governors, Edward H. Buckman, Frederick Tibbils, George P. 
Brock, Henry O. Harris and Henry Lear. A Constitution, By-Laws 
and regulations were adopted, but when or where, the minutes do not 
mention. The object of the club was stated to be " for the purpose 
of providing entertainment and promoting social intercourse," the 
admission fee was fixed at ten dollars and annual dues twelve dollars. 
It has about fifty regular members. The first stated meeting was 
held the evening of February 10, 1894. The club occupies the same 
quarters it moved into upon its organization, the former Lloyd build- 
ing, on the south side of East Court street. 

One of the most pleasant social functions in Doylestown, of 
recent years, was the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the 
marriage of the late John J. Brock and wife, on November 23, 1893. 
It gathered about them relatives and friends, including many of the 
leading people of the county's capital. 

In a subsequent chapter will be found another feature of the 
social life of the county capital, wherin music played an important 
part. 



XVIII 
Mercantile Life. 

In a previous Chapter we mentioned the pioneer storekeepers at 
Doylestown, embracing a period from 1790 to 18 10, and, in the 
present Chapter, we purpose to complete the mercantile roll of those 
who have passed into history. 

J. and C. Brock,' from Philadelphia, were an enterprising firm 
doing business here when the last century came in, and continued 
several years, but at what time they opened we are unable to say. In 
November, 18 15, they added iron to their stock, and must have done 
an extensive trade from their advertising. In 1817 they advertised 
groceries, "Such as gunpowder, imperial young hyson and hyson 
skin teas." They closed out, March 1818, and returned to the city, 
but a John Brock ' was keeping store here, 1835, but we do not know 
that he was the same person. On November 22, 18 13, Thomas 
White 3 & Co. opened a store in a building formely occupied by 
the Messrs Reeds, "opposite the Doylestown Hotel," the present 
Fountain House. At this time Shaw & Morris appeared to have 
been leading storekeepers in the village, from the way they patronized 
printers' ink. They opened in June, 1813. The Shaw was probably 

1 At Philadelphia, May 23, 1816, by the Rev. Philip F. Mayer, John Brock, 
of Doylestown, to Miss Catharine Eliza Egert, daughter of George Egert of 
the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. 

2 At Eriends' meeting, October 11, 1827, Mark Wilson of Quakertown, to 
Mary Brock, daughter of John Brock of Doylestown. 

3 On December 6, same year, 1813, Thomas White & Co. succeeded 
Messrs. Reeds in a general store oppositethe Doylestown hotel. This was on 
the east side of North Main street just above State. 

166 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 167 

Josiah Y. and his partner, Benjamin Morris. In 18 17, Harvey & 
Dunlap were in the mercantile business in Doylestown, and Henry 
ScholH in 18 18. 

Samuel Yardley was the leading storekeeper here seventy-five 
years ago, and was probably longer, continuously, in mercantile bus- 
iness than any one who preceded him. He and Benjamin W. Taylor, 
under the firm name of Yardley & Taylor, opened in 1820. They 
kept on the Armstrong corner, Yardley living in the adjoining 
dwelling, then, or subsequently, buying the property. The firm was 
dissolved, March 3, 1826, Yardley continuing in business. 5 Taylor 
was from the neighborhood of Dolington and the Yardleys born near 
Doylestown. Samuel's brother, Charles,^ was with him as a salesman 
and clerk until 1826, when he opened a store in Newtown. Samuel 
Yardley owned and ran a grist mill at Spring Valley, burned down 
in the forties, probably the same that Ralph Sheelly afterward bought. 
It is said Yardley & Taylor first opened in the old frame on the site 
of Thompson's brick store, now the site of the Hellyer store. 

Joseph Burrows was an early keeper of an iron store, being here 
in that business as early as 1825. He was the same who kept the 
"Green Tree," and afterwards built and kept the "Temperance 
House ' ' before it was licensed. The same year, one John Allshouse 
kept a hat store " nearly opposite the residence of Mr. DuBois on the 
road leading to New Hope, having removed from the Main street." 
This was opposite the old DuBois dwelling, corner of Broad and 
State streets, and Allshouse occupied one of the frames opposite. 

John H. Anderson ^ removed to Doylestown, 1831, and opened 

4 At Arnwell, N. J., on Thursday, April 23, 1818, by the Rev. Mr. Kirk- 
patrick, Henry Scholl, merchant, to Miss ]\Iary Kiple, both of Doylestown. 

5 At Doylestown, October 15, 1844, Friends' ceremony, Joseph Mathers, of 
Montgomery county, to Lydia, daughter of Samuel Yardley of Doylestown. 

6 At Doylestown, May 10, 1826, Charles Yardley to Miss Anne Jones, both 
of Doylestown. Mrs. Yardley survived her husband until March 23, 1897, 
dying at Bethlehem, Pa., in her 92nd year, retaining her faculties to a remark- 
able degree. Mrs. Yardley was the sister of the Miss Jones, who died at Judge 
Watts', Doylestown, of typhus fever, in February, 1815. 

7 John H. Anderson was the son of Joshua Anderson, a farmer of Stockton, 
Hunterdon county, N. J., and born there. His grand-father, John Anderson, 
was a Captain of Militia in the Revolution. John H. began keeping store at 
Flemington, N. J., but, being boycotted for not selling liquor, he removed to 
Doylestown. He was twice married, his first wife being a daughter of Mahlon 
Hart, Flemington; his second a daughter of Thomas Alexander. He had 
several children, sons and daughters. His son, John A. was Superintendent of 
the Relief Department Pennsylvania Railroad, Edward L. several years 
Comptroller of New Jersey and recently Supervisor of the New Jersey state 
prison, and another son, Wm. L. is a civil engineer of Trenton. The daughters 
married and raised families. 



i68 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

in the old frame on site of the Thompson brick store, and now 
covered by the Hellyer block, next door south of Monument House. 
He announced in his adver, " My motto is cheap." He took Isaiah 
P. Smith as partner, the first of April, under the firm name of 
Anderson & Smith. In 1837 they fitted up a drug and medicine 
department, and dissolved, 1843, Smith going to Philadelphia and 
Anderson to Lambertville, N. J., where he passed the balance of his 
business life and died there 1877. Smith returned to Doylestown and 
opened store where he and Anderson had kept, but we do not know 
how long he remained. Anderson was a successful business man. 

About the close of the thirties, John O. James, then keeping store 
in Hilltown, desiring a change of location thought of coming to Doyles- 
town and occupying the Anderson & Smith property, but his atten- 
tion being directed to Philadelphia, he established a successful house 
under the firm name of James, Kent & Santee, Isaiah P. Smith be- 
coming a partner. In the spring of 1897, the Messrs. Hellyer & Son 
purchased the old Thompson property, where they erected a large 
brick store house and started bussiness on that popular site. The 
property had previously been sold to two parties, the National Bank, 
with a view of erecting a new banking house on it, and to Thomas 
H. Heist for the purpose of enlarging the Monument House of which 
he was then the owner. In 1830, there were but five retailers of 
foreign merchandise in Doylestown and four in the township. In 
July, 1834, Robert Magill opened a leather store on the Easton road 
below Field's and Petitt's taverns on South Main street. 

Rudedge Thornton succeeded Anderson & Smith in the same 
building, the old frame on the site of the Thompson brick. Thornton, 
who was born in Buckingham township, was keeping store in New 
Hope, 1834, and, in his advertisement, calls that the " Village of 
Plenty." He moved thence to Kintnerville, Nockamixon township, 
where he kept store until 1839, when he was elected Sheriff. In 1844 
Mrs. Johnson, his mother-in-law, bought the store property where 
Anderson & Smith had kept, and Thornton opened there the follow- 
ing spring. The brick store was built in 1853, and Thornton kept 
there until near the close of the fifties, living in the adjoining frame 
house. He subsequently bought the Harvey lot, corner of State and 
Church, on which he built a handsome frame where he resided to his 
death. The property is now owned and occupied by Louis Buckman. 

The third occupant, of this historic store, was William Thomp- 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 169 

son,^ a descendant of Scotch-Irish ancestors, who came to this 
country at an early day, and estabhshed a home in Northampton 
township. The Thompsons, father and son, were prominent in the 
mercantile life of Doylestovvn. Mr. Thompson, the elder, removed 
to Doylestown about 1849, and followed his trade, that of a carpenter, 
until 1 85 1, when he was elected Register of Wills. In 1856, he 
rented the Thornton store property and continued in business until 
his death, 1892, a portion of the time the firm being William Thomp- 
son & Son. Under this roof the Thompsons rounded out their bus- 
iness career, the son dying two years after the father. The son was 
executor of Mrs. Thornton, the widow of Rutledge, and purchased 
the property, 1890, subsequently selling it to Hellyer & Son, who 
erected the new store house now on it. Robert Thompson was born 
in Northampton township, 1825, came to Doylestown with his 
father, and, shortly after, entered the store of Thornton, later going 
into business with his father. He was a patriotic, public spirited 
citizen, served as a member of the borough council several years, 
and, during the Civil War, went out with the 128th Pa. regiment as 
sutler, and witnessed the stirring scenes at Antietam and Chancel- 
lorsville. 

In 1835, Jonathan Brock opened a store at the old stand of 
Benjamin Morris, on the east side of South Main street, just below 
State, the latter quitting the store on being elected Sheriff, and never 
resuming the business. In April, 1839, Samuel A. Smith opened a 
general store in the same building, the late Cashier John J. Brock 

beginning his successful career as a salesman for Smith. In 

1844, Mr. Brock went into business with James Smith in the same 
building, but the venture was not a successful one. Smith subsequently 
went to Philadelphia and spent his life there with two or three large 
mercantile establishments, and John J. Brock shortly entered the 
Doylestown bank where he spent his life. Smith was the son of 
General Samuel A. Smith, of this county, a prominent figure in 
political and military life. 

In 1 841, John Clemens, son of Christian Clemens, of Doylestown 
township, opened an iron store at the junction of South Main and 
Green streets and kept there several years. After he closed out, the 
borough council took action to get the old building out of the way, 

8 At Prospect Hill, November 24, 1831, by Parson Studdiford, William 
Thompson, of Northampton township, to Miss Isabella, daughter of James 
Simpson, of Buckingham. 



T70 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

it being an obstruction to the streets. This was in the seventies. In 
1840, these were the following retailers of foreign merchandise in 
Doylestown: Samuel A. Smith, Samuel Yardley, Charles Harvey, 
Isaiah P. Smith, Samuel Nightingale and Moses and Robert Armstrong. 
The Armstrongs kept in the Kramer store. North Main street and 
Harvey on the corner where Randall keeps a hardware store. 

The first lumber yard in Doylestown, that we have any note of, 
was that of Clemens & Timothy Smith, opened 181 2. In their 
advertisement they pledged themselves to deliver all lumber bought 
at their yard, within a mile and half of the town, at the same price as 
at the yard. We have no knowledge how long they remained in 
business. 

One would suppose Doylestown was not without a board yard 
after it became the County seat, but there are indications there was 
a longer, or shorter period when it was not thus equipped. How it 
was through the twenties we are not informed. One of the town 
papers in the thirties, in the enumeration of the different kinds of 
business carried on here, said: " It will soon be time to start a board 
yard," from which we may infer this business was not carried on here 
at that time. How soon after this a board-yard was opened we have 
no means of knowing; but as there was considerable building between 
thirty and forty the town was doubtless soon supplied with one. 

Robert Bayard had a lumber yard in Doylestown, 1843, and per- 
haps earlier up in "Germany," North Main street, near the Cold 
Spring tavern. The Bayards were here ten years prior to that time 
to the knowledge of the author, as he and Robert Bayard, a son, 
were school mates at the Union Academy. 

Samuel SoUiday was proprietor of a board- yard in the forties but, 
at what time he went into business we do not know. 9 At one time 
he occupied the vacant lot between the dwelling of Mrs. McCoy and 
Mrs. N. C. James, North Main street, covering the site of the latter, 
and he may have been located elsewhere. At the same time he 
carried on clock and watch-making on the south side of East State 
street, about opposite Printers' Alley, 

Toward the close of the fifties, John Clemens opened a board yard 
on what is now the Buckman property, west side of South Main 
street, and erected a large building on the site of Buckman' s sash 

9 We have a memo that Samuel Solliday had a board-yard in 1826, but we 
have no knowledge whereat. It was hardly at Doylestown at that early day. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 171 

factory and planing mill. In the upper story was a large unfurnished 
room called "Clemens' Hall" used for social purposes. The 22nd 
of February, 1859, a civil and military dress ball was given there that 
was quite a swell affair, for the county volunteers and militia which, 
at that time were in high feather. In that same room Captain Davis 
drilled and disciplined the Doylestown Guards prior to taking the 
company into the field, in the Civil War, April, 1861. 

Shortly after the war, Henry M. Twining, now of Philadelphia, 
carried on for a time, in this same building, pork-packing and sausage- 
making. Charles Wigton next purchased the property and opened a 
lumber and coal yard, but sold it to Charles Finney, 1870. Finney 
built the stack and carried on business there, Wigton & Trumbower 
opening business on the premises below. 

In the meantime, Charles Shade and Charles Rotzel opened a 
board-yaid in the early fifties on a vacant lot south side of East State 
street from about the Gaucher house, running east and bounded by 
York street on the south. Here their barn was burned in 1856 with 
two horses. About i860 they removed to a vacant lot on the Magill 
property, south side of West State street two hundred feet from Main. 
Shade died while the firm was in business here, shortly after the close 
of the Civil War. The Magill property was now brought into the 
market, and Rotzel closed out the business. 

Sometime in the seventies, Charles Finney '° was sold out by the 
Sheriff, his property, on South Main street, going under the hammer 
to Charles Rotzel & Co. , the ' ' Company ' ' being composed of John 
M. Purdy, Elias Hoagland and Lewis Buckman. They opened a 
lumber and coal yard and carried on a good business, but there 
were changes in the composition of the firm. The first change was 
to Rotzel and Buckman, 1878-84; then Lewis Buckman, 1884-90; 
next Buckman & Son, 1890-96, and finally to Edward H. Buckman 
& Co., the present proprietors. Shortly after Mr. Rotzel left the 
firm, he purchased a new site on the north side of West State street, 
beyond Clinton, where he carried on the lumber and coal business to 
his death, 1896. The business then passed into the hands of William 
Raike, a graduate of the Democrat ofifice, and is still carried on by 
him. In 1832, there was neither a coal nor lumber yard, nor an 
apothecary in Doylestown, which had been the county seat for 
nineteen years. 

Joseph J. Greir, connected with the business life of Doylestown 



10 Charles Finney came to Doylestown from Northamption township, 
where he was a respectable farmer and doing well. 



172 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

for twenty years, was the son of James Jefferson and Eliza Jones Greir, 
and born at Greir's Corner, Plumstead township, April 23, 1828. He 
assisted his father on the farm and in his store until 1849, when he came 
to Doylestown and took employment with Rutledge Thornton as clerk 
and salesman at the old Anderson stand, on the site of the Hellyer 
store, Monument place. In 1853, Thornton took him in as partner, 
and he remained with him until 1857, when Greir purchased the 
William T. Eisenhart store on the west side of Main street just below 
State, and went into business for himself. He continued here until, 
1869 when he sold out to Silas Yerkes. In January 1870, Greir 
removed to Philadelphia, where he went into the manufacturing 
business at 505 Market Street, which he carried on until the summer 
of 1873, when, on account of failing health, he removed to Newtown. 
In 1875, he entered into partnership with William R. Carver, his 
brother-in-law, in the dry goods business which they carried on until 
the lall of 1889, when they sold out to Evan S. Worthington, after 
which Mr. Greir lived a retired life until his death, November 26, 1895. 
The Greirs are an old family in Bucks county, settling here with the 
influx of the Scotch- Irish Presbyterians in the first quarter of the 
eighteenth century. 



i6^ss 



|)oi)le0tottiu, (Dlti anh l\m. 

XIX 
Our Industries. 

Having noticed the professional and mercantile life of our 
borough, and other agencies, that assisted to lift the cross roads 
hamlet to the beautiful town of the present, we take a snap shop at 
our industries. These embrace minor and major industries, including 
mechanical trades, workmen and dealers outside of the mercantile 
line, without which a modern town is illy prepared to make its way 
in the world. 

Mechanism, fortunately, rests on a higher plane than in the past, 
and men, brought up to trades and are graduates of the workshop, are 
reaping honors in every walk of life. No doubt there were trades- 
men, and other industrial callings at the site of Doylestown, as they 
were needed, from the opening of the two highways crossing each 
other, in the first quarter of the eighteenth century but, as we have 
no record of them, we can only deal with those we know of. If the 
industries, of Doylestown, do not occupy a leading place in our business 
affairs, it is because the site of our county's capital is of? the leading 
lines of travel, and the absence of water power. The mechanical 
trades here, at an early day, only supplied the local demand. 

Minor industries are the first to establish themselves at a new 
settlement, and we find Andrew Dennison, a shoemaker, here 1804, 
if not earlier. He was a long time in business and lived in or near the 
village about half a century. We may say of him, as Daniel Webster 
said of the Revolutionary veterans he addressed at the dedication of 
the Bunker Hill monument; "you have come down to us from a 

173 



174 DOYLESTOWN. OLD AND NEW. 

former generation," and truthfully, for Dennison saw service in the 
war for Independence. He was not only a shoemaker, but aimed at 
something higher, for he courted the Muse of poetry. How early, he 
indulged in this occomplishment, we do not know, but when he ad- 
vertised his occupation, 1827, he opened with the following stanza : 

"I've moved my shop from Elbow Square ' 

Six doors right down the street. 
Where I do mean to carry on, 

And do my work complete." 

In the spring of 1833, when Andrew Dennison moved out of 
Doylestovvn, he announced the change in one of the local papers in 
the following lines: 

"From Doylestown I have moved this Spring, 

In Middletown I dwell. 
Between Bridge Point and the Turk's Head, 

I make shoes to sell." 

Andrew Dennison was still here in 1841, the year his wife died,* 
and some years longer, dying past ninety. Dennison had not only a 
rival in making and mending shoes, but also in writing poetry, and 
it would require a poet of the highest order to tell which excelled the 
other. His name was Joseph Mackey. He opened here, 1827, and 
appealed to printers' ink in the columns of the Bucks County Patriot 
in the following strains: 

" I and the Muses, 

Send you a pair of Shoeses, 
A tough rythme this 

Just like my leather." 

It is to be hoped Joseph Mackey flourished — at least he deserved 
to, with such poetry to sustain him. We had always understood the 
shoemaker's trade was provocative of sentiment and we are now 
convinced of it. 

Benjamin Vanluvanee was another old-time shoemaker, a vet-, 
eran, he deserves to be called. He was born in what was then New 
Britain, now Doylestown township. May 19, 1789, married December 
31, 1812, and died February 20, 1873, at the age of eighty-three years, 
nine months and one day. He began building a house 181 2, probably 



1 Gan any of our readers enlighten us as to the location of " Elbow Square ?" 

2 At Doylestown, November 2, 1841, Susanna Dennison, wife of Andrew 
l^ennison, in her eightieth year. Her husband survived her at eighty-seven with 
two children out of a frunily of nine. They were married in 1781, and lived 
together si.xty years si.x months and fifteen days." Andrew Dennison a soldier 
of the Rovohition and a pensioner, died at Doylestown, February 24,1847, in his 
ninety-first year. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 175 

to celebrate his marriage, and, when finished, moved into it, following 
his trade there for fifty-seven years. This was the house where John 
Moyer lived for sometime on North Main street, nearly opposite the 
Kramer store property, with shop adjoining. A few years prior to 
his death, Vanluvanee sold the house to Henry Hough and moved 
into the township, but returned to the borough and died at the house 
of one of his sons. He was a good citizen and respected by his neigh- 
bors and friends. Two of his sons lived in the borough until recently, 
one following the trade of his father. One of them Henry, a soldier of 
the Union Army in the Civil War, died at Doylestown December 2, 
1897, at the age of eighty-two, having been born May 3, 1815. Like his 
father, he was a shoemaker, and followed the trade until within a few 
years of his death. He was one of a family of nine children, the only 
survivor being his brother, A. Chapman Vanluvanee, who had lived 
continuously in Doylestown from his birth, June i, 1824, to his death 
December 20, 1901, seventy-seven years and six months, and like his 
father and three brothers, was a shoemaker by trade. He followed it 
until ill health compelled him to retire, 1899. ^^ married Mrs. Catharine 
Troxel, in early life, who lived less than a year. Two sisters survive 
him, Mrs. Clement Arment and Miss Jane Vanluvanee both living in 
West Philadelphia. Mr. Vanluvanee was buried by Odd Fellows' 
ceremony. Before Henry Vanluvanee' s death, he was the oldest 
living person born in Doylestown, was twice married and left a widow 
of eighty-one. Next to Mr. Vanluvanee, Mrs. Andrew Rickard, 
who was an Opp, had lived the longest time in Doylestown, at her 
death, November 1901. 

In 1820, Thomas B. Most was a maker and seller of boots in 
Doylestown, including "full dress boots, Cossacks, Wellington and 
Monroes," and this is all we know of him. Most's specialties, the 
fad of that day, have passed into history with their makers and sellers. 
The "Wellingtons," borrowed their name from the great English 
Duke who came of? conqueror at Waterloo. 

We have spoken of William Musgrave, in a previous chapter, 
who was doubtless the pioneer clock and watch maker at Doylestown, 
a Canadian who came here at the dawn of the nineteenth century. 
He married Mrs. Mary Kelley, widow of Rev. Erasmus Kelley, a 
distinguished Baptist divine and pastor of the First Baptist church, 
at Newport, Rhode Island. Musgrave removed from Doylestown 
to Harrisburg, where his wife died, February 10, 18 17, at the age 
of sixty -four. 

In 1813, James Lane, clock and watch maker, watch case 



176 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

maker and fire gilder, removed from Philadelphia to Doylestown, but 
all trace of him is lost. 

William McHenry was here in the trade as early as i8i6,3 at his 
old stand, next door to J. and C. Brock's store, '* opposite the 
Doylestown Hotel." This would place him in the old frame on the 
east side of North Main street where the Democrat was burnt out, 
1836. It will be remembered that McHenry was one of the landlords 
of the Indian Queen tavern, and, later in life, removed to Pike 
county where he died. 

The Pennsylvania Correspondent, of September 15, 1823, says: 
Charles T. Beckel, silversmith, clock and watch and musical 
instrument maker, has opened his shop near the tavern of Mr, 
Burrows." This was, doubtless, the same Beckel, who captained a 
brass band at this period, and met to practice at the Green Tree 
tavern, whence he dropped out and became 

"Lost to memory dear." 

The next to appear, of this trade, was Isaac W. Ely, whom we 
first encounter April 25, 1831, who "informs his friends and the 
public that he has removed to the house next door to Isaac B. 
Medary's tailor-shop, opposite to J. Y. Shaw, Esq., in Doylestown." 
This was the John Donnelly house, corner of Main and Centre 
streets subsequently named Oakland avenue. Ely was evidently 
here prior to 1831, as the occupancy of this house was only a 
' ' removal ' ' from some other place in the village. 

Charles Savage, the next to answer the clock and watch maker's 
roll-call, came in 1834. He, also, called himself a silversmith, and 
opened in the frame on the sight of the Stuckert building, North Main 
street, opposite the Fountain House. It will be remembered the Demo- 
crat was published in that building, 1835-36, and, in the winter of the 
latter year, the building was burned with its contents — press, types, 
etc., and Savage's clocks and watchs, and silverware all went up in 
smoke. 

In the spring, of 1834, Samuel Solliday opened a clock and watch- 
making shop in Mrs. Thompson's stone house, west side of North Main 
street, between Hellyer's and the Armstrong block. From there he 
removed to the south side of East State street, site of Lehman's 
butcher shop, and subsequently to New Hope where he died. The 

3 At Painswick Hall, the residence of Nathaniel Shewell, Esq., March 6, 
1817, by the Rev. Uriah DuBois, William McHenry, to Miss Margaret Fell, 
daughter of the late Joseph Fell, Esq. 




Oh 
O 
X 

in 

X 
H 

in 
C 
O 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 177 

late Nathan C. James, Esq., many years president of the Bucks 
County Bar Association, was one of SoUiday's apprentices, an example 
of what energy and talent may do for a young man. 

Tradition, as well as record evidence, tells us that Joseph Fell was 
one of the earliest blacksmiths at Doylestown — at least prior to, and 
and at the time of, the Revolution. His shop was at the southwest 
corner of what afterward became the site of the " Ross Mansion." 
There were doubtless earlier blacksmiths at the cross roads, but Fell's 
name is the first to come down to us. Of Fell we have spoken 
generally in a previous chapter. 

Anthony Miller was a blacksmith here in 1814, having recently 
begun business. He advertised, in Minor's Correspondent, "some 
unprincipled villain" for entering his smith shop and " with a knife 
or other instrument, had cut and nearly ruined his bellows ;" speak- 
ing of himself as one ' ' who is preparing to commence business in the 
place." There is no record of the length of his stay. 

In May, 1821, Robert Ashton was on the Doylestown roll of 
blacksmiths, and offered a reward for a " second-hand leather apron," 
for the apprehension of a runaway apprentice. Whether Ashton re- 
covered this valuable assistant to his bellow's blower and striker, is 
not recorded in the annals that have fallen under our notice. 

Charles Wigton, whom the present generation remembers, began 
blacksniithing at Doylestown, April, 1832. The Wigtons were here 
early in the century, as we find two of them on Burges' map of 18 10, 
" S. Wigton," on the east side of North Main street above Broad, 
and "J. Wigton" on the north side of East State street about where 
Maple avenue comes in. What relation, the subject of our notice, was 
to either or both, we do not know, but we believe Charles was born 
here. He carried on his trade for several years, but, subsequently, 
went into the coal and lumber business, became a land owner, built 
several houses and acquired a moderate competency. Charles Wig- 
ton spent his life here; was much respected, a man of influence, an 
active politician and, in i860, was nominated for Register, but de- 
feated at the polls with the ticket. His death, was a loss to the town. 
In his youth, Mr. Wigton lived in the Judge Watts' family. The 
Wigtons settled in this vicinity shortly after the middle of the eigh- 
teenth century, and the family was on the highlands, west of Doyles- 
town, where the old mansion was built. 

Joseph Derrickson, a coachmaker and wagon builder, was 
probably in Doylestown prior to 181 1, for, in that year, he advertised 



178 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NFAV. 

for a journeyman. The prospect of the village becoming the county 
seat may have improved business, and created the necessity for more 
mechanics, but how long he remained we have no means of telling. 

Smith & Kirk commenced coachmaking here in 1815, manufact- 
uring every description of coaches, buggies, chairs, sulkeys and 
mail stages. In 1827, Jervis S. Smith and John Hess bought out 
Smith & Kirk; carried on business for a time, and were succeeded 
by Timothy Smith who built " coaches, razees, gigs, chairs, sulkeys 
and dearborn wagons." Smith continued in business a number of 
years, acquired considerable real estate, and died here. He was 
a prominent member of the community. His ownership of the 
elevated piece of ground on the southwestern borders of the village 
gave the name to " Mount Timothy." This was cut down to make 
way for a new street. Mr. Smith lived in the frame dwelling south 
side of East State street, opposite the foot of Printers' alley. The 
store house, on the same side of the street — in one half of which 
Thomas Gaucher lived and died, was Timothy Smith's barn but fitted 
it up for a dwelling in the early thirties. 

In the Spring of 1831, a new worker in the wagon trade, John 
F. Purdy set up wheelwrighting here. He was a son of William Purdy, 
recently appointed Prothonotary, and lived in a frame on the site of 
the dwelling of the late John P. Rogers, east side of North Main 
street, and worked in a shop on the same premises. He remained 
there three or four years. 

In November, 1840, there was an accession to the mechanical 
industries of Doylestown by the advent of Barzilla J. Gregg, a wheel- 
wright and coachmaker. He lived in one of the brick dwellings on 
the south side of West State street for several years and had his work 
shop at various places about town. He was quite a character, well 
read on many subjects, and nothing delighted him more than to 
argue the questions of the day with anyone who came along. During 
such discussions, busidess was laid aside. Gregg's wheelwright shop, 
in one sense, was a free-lance debating club especially for those who 
loved talk better than work. A history of some of these discussions 
would make interesting reading. Mrs. Gregg, a most estimable 
woman and of much culture, kept school in the basement of their dwell- 
ing several years, and here a number of persons obtained the rudiments 
of their education. They both died there ; she at the close of the 
eighties, and he sometime in that decade. Mrs. Gregg was a descendant 
of the Gilberts, among the earliest settlers of Warminster township. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 179 

She was somethimg of an artist, and a production of her skill hangs 
in the museum of the Bucks County Historical Society, a painting, 
on velvet, of " A View of Fair Mount Water Works. ' ' The frame 
handsome and elaborate, is her own make. 

On September 12, 1804, John Worman opened a tailor shop at 
the cross roads hamlet of ' ' Doylestown. ' ' He may have had pre- 
decessors, but we have not met with them, and was probably the same 
John Worman who kept one of the taverns here at that period. In 
the Pennsylvania Correspondent , of September 18, 1804, Gooden Hall 
states, over his own signature, that " he had recommenced business 
(tailoring) at the house of John Worman in Doylestown, but, beyond 
this, there is nothing that throws light on the subject. When and 
where Hall first opened his business is entirely unknown. In so far as 
we are informed, either Worman or Hall is entitled to the honor of 
having been dean of the craft at that period. Gooden, or Goden, 
Hall, for the name was spelled both ways at that period, was a nephew 
of Isaac Hall, and his name appears on George Burges' map of Doyles- 
town in 1 8 10. His dwelling, and probably his shop, also, was on the 
north side of West State street, east of its junction with court. In 
April, 1813, Hall removed to Main street, "one hundred rods north 
of the Court House." 

Isaac B. Medary,+ a tailor by trade, was here prior to 1813, for, 
on the 15th of March of that year, the firm of " Medary & Heath, 
tailors," dissolved co-partnership. In Asher Miner's correspondent 
of December 16, 1814, Medary inserted an advertisement, in which 
he says; "Having returned from a tour of military duty. I will 
immediately resume the duties of the shop, "s Medary continued in 
business, for many years, in the stone house at the northwest corner 
of Main street and Oakland avenue. He built the house, 1814, and 
probably moved into it in April, 1815. This is the same house in 
which Nathan Cornell lived and carried on his trade, also a tailor, for 
several years. As we recollect Isaac B. Medary, after the lapse of 
many years, he was a handsome, well-mannered man, much esteened 
by all his acquaintances and prosperous in business. The last few 
years, of his life at Doylestown, he lived just out of town on the hand- 
some farm on the right hand side of the New Hope Pike, and, in the 

4 At Hatboro, Marcli 9, 1815, Isaac B. Medary, Doylestown, to Miss Re- 
becca Childs of Hatboro. 

5 He was a soldier in Captain Wm. Magill's rifle company, which served 
a tour of duty on the lower Delaware, 1814, in the war with England. 



i8o DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

early forties, himself and family removed to Philadelphia. The son, 
Louis, who changed the spelling of his name to Mederie, preceded 
the father to the city and entered into business, becoming prominent 
in shipping circles, and died there in recent years. 

In 1 815, a woman, Mrs. Barclay, came to Doylestown and 
advertised that she proposes to devote her time to the business of 
' ' Tailoring and Mantau-making, ' ' in order to provide for a young 
family that had devolved upon her. In April, 1821, Timothy Mc 
Manus, a tailor, gives notice that he had removed to Doylestown, and 
taken the house, ' 'on the east side of the stage road between Esq. Chap- 
man's law office and Robert Armstrong's store." ^ 

James Blackhurst, tailoring here, in 1829, removed next below 
Robert Armstrong's store, and advertised he had "just returmed 
with the Paris Fall and Winter fashions for 1829," and all who favor 
him with their custom ' ' may depend on not having their coats too 
long on the skirts of society." He removed to within a mile of 
Quakertown, in October, 1831. James Harl, who was tailoring here 
in 1826, commenced business in Nathan Cornell's house, formerly 
Isaac B. Medary's west side of South Main street, where Mrs. Ran- 
dall carries on, in which the Doylestown Democrat was published more 
than half a century ago. Nathan Michener was a Mercer and Tailor 
at Doylestown in 1829-31. George A. Huntsmann had a tailor shop 
at his former residence on the Main street, a few doors below Mr. 
Ransey's iron foundry — "Country produce taken in exchange for 
work." In 1832 the roll of tailors was increased by the accession 
of Abraham Gray, who occupied a shop " between the Post Office 
and the Temperance House, in the most central part of the town." 
This was on the south side of East Court, between Main and Pine, 
the Post Office probably being in the Shearer frame, on the site of the 
Siegler building. 

John Seitzinger was one of the best known tailors in Doylestown 
sixty-five years ago, commencing about the close of the twenties. He 
occupied the house of Mrs. Thomas Walton on the east side of South 
Main street living in the building. He was here many years, and ac- 
tive in the Episcopal church, assisting in its organization. 

William T. Eisenhart, well-remembered by the present genera- 
tion, came here and set up tailoring in 1849, over half a century ago, 

6 This was in " Germany," on!,the east side of North Main street; Arms- 
trongs store the same as that lately 'occupied by John Kramer, and the 
" house" one of the dwellings south of .it. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. i8i 

carrying it on with varying success. His place of business, for several 
years, was on the west side of South Main street, in the brick block 
built about 1854-55. About 1850 he adopted the motto " No Fit No 
Pay," but whether this increased trade we are not informed. In his 
later years, he removed to a dwelling on Ashland, between Main and 
Clinton opposite the Agricultural works, where, in connection with his 
trade, he paid some attention to the cultivation of strawberries at 
which he was a success. On more than one occasion a friend of 
President Cleveland presented an invoice of Eisenhart's berries to the 
' ' First Lady of the Land ;' ' for which courtesy, if European customs 
were followed, Mr. Eisenhart was entitled to a diploma as the " cul- 
tivator of strawberries to Her Excellenciess, the wife of the President." 
More than one polite note from the ' ' First Lady ' ' was evidence of 
her appreciation of the berries. 

The next generation of tailor? came near cleaning out that craft. 
In 1875, Burgoyne Ray ton, an Englishman, came to Doylestown 
and set up in the business. At this time Gilbert Hay, William 
Hughes, Jacob Michener and one Euberoth plied the needle, but all 
have disappeared except Rayton. Euberoth came from about Bethle- 
hem, whither he returned. His son was educated at the Annapolas 
Naval Academy, and entered the U. S. Cutter Service. The other 
tailor in Doylestown, who still carries on the business, is John Moyer, 
a German immigrant who came to this country in 1867, and to Doyles- 
town, 1884. He found here Joseph Berger, now deceased, and an- 
other named Scheiley. Probably the oldest tailor, in years, in the 
county, is Philip H. Kepler, father-in-law of John Moyer, but Mr. 
Rayton is the Dean of the craft in Doylestown. The great clothing 
houses of the cities have driven nearly all the country tailors out of 
business, something much to be regretted. 

The most pretentious industry Doylestown indulged in, manu- 
facture of agricultural machinery, came at a later period. This 
was of considerable importance when carried on by Daniel Hulshizer. 
The business was started by Melick & Hulshizer, who came from 
Hunterdon county. New Jersey, to Doylestown in 1849. They began 
work in a small shop on " Oyster Shell Lane," which gradually grew 
and they turned out many horse powers and threshers. In 1851, 
they commenced the manufacture of agricultural implements, and 
were probably the first in the county to build " Wheeler's Patent 
Railway Chain Horse Power, Overshot Thresher, Feed Cutter and 
Clover HuUer." During that summer while Mr. Hulshizer was walk- 



i82 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

ing through his stables, he was kicked by a strange horse and had 
two ribs broken. In 1859, the firm name was changed to Martin & 
Wetherill, and, 1865, they sold out to Daniel Hulshizer, who estab- 
lished a large plant on Ashland street near the railroad station, where 
Ruos carried on a branch of the same industry at a later period. 

Mr. Hulshizer shortly enlarged the works and commenced the 
building of upright steam engines, the first one being constructed for 
the Doylestown Democrat office to run its Hoe power press and lasted 
several years, being the first engine built in the county of any kind. 
At this time the works gave employment to thirty or forty men. Mr. 
Hulshizer conducted the business, often with profit, until his death 
March 27, 1896. Meanwhile there had been two or three changes in 
the firm name, at one time Harry Larzelere being a member of it, but 
he removed to the Cumberland Valley and connected himself with an 
establishment there. During this period the firm supplied many cream- 
eries with machinery, and, while the boom was on, the demand was 
brisk. 

Upon the death of Mr. Hulshizer, the Agricultural works fell into 
the hands of his son, W. Sharp Hulshizer, who owned them untill 
1899, when he sold out to Henry D. Ruos, one of the proprietors of 
the Lenape Bicycle works, accepting the Bicycle works in part pay- 
ment. The same evening, Mr. Hulshizer sold the Bicycle works to 
Ex-Sheriff Nicholas, who expected to re-establish there his Folding 
Box factory, recently destroyed by fire. The price paid was about $15, 
000, the sale including both plants. The property, subsequently, came 
into the possession of Ruos, Mills & Co., and is now employed in 
making and repairing agricultural machinery, having gone back to its 
" first love." The location of the works is on Ashland street near the 
Reading Railroad station, and is the oldest industrial establishment in 
Doylestown. 

About 1850, Henry Druckenmiller came to Doylestown, from 
Lehigh county, and began wheelwrighting in Samuel Green's old shop 
at the intersection of Court and State streets, torn down many years 
ago, Craven's photographic gallery being built on the site. The 
business increased and gradually a good trade was built up with the 
south, whither a large number of light one horse buggies and car- 
riages were shipped. 

In 1857, Mr. Druckenmiller built a large brick shop on West 
Court street, opposite Harvey's grove, now Oakland, where he 
continued business, which prospered until the Civil War broke out. 



DOYI.ESTOWN, OI.D AND NEW. 183 

This ruined him and he was obliged to close out. The property was 
subsequently sold by the Sheriff, the brick shop being purchased 
by Samnel Green. He utilized it for some time — but in after years 
it had two or three owners, one of them Samuel Geil ; but was torn 
down in 1895 and a double brick dwelling erected on its site. If the 
past could be called up several first class ghost stories might be related, 
in connection with these premises, and others told not altogether 
ghostly. 

When Wetherill and Martin ^ set up agricultural machinery 
works, at Doylestown, they opened in the old Fisher Smith shop 
West State street, north side near Main, but the building was torn 
down many years ago. 

The bakers in Doylestown, first and last, have been almost legion, 
their number giving force to the adage that ' ' bread is the staff of 
life." As it is impossible to call the roll of this necessary minor 
industry, we forego the attempt. In 1836, one John Barndollar was 
a baker here, and John Lyon 1840, but when they came, or how long 
they staid, we know not. In the recent past, many of our readers 
will remember Conrad Hahl as a baker, and especially his wife, who 
carried on the business after her husband's death and her remarriage 
to James S. Mann. She was a good business woman and well liked, 
and her ice cream was equally popular. The Hahls, for several years, 
carried on business on the west side of South Main street in a frame 
building, which was demolished when Oakland avenue was opened 
through to Main. 

7 Joseph Martin, born in Stewartsville, Warren county, New Jersey, spent 
his business life in Doylestown, dying March 5, 1902. He came here in the 
sixties, and shortly connected himself with an agricuhural implement factory, 
being for sometime with Daniel Hulshizer. 



i(nr5 



ioi|lC0toitm. ®l& anil Petu, 

XX 
More of Our Industries. 

As our industries occupy more space than we anticipated, when 
we began writing them up, we make no apology for giving a second 
chapter to the same subject. 

Samuel Kachline, prominent in his day, one of our earlier 
workers in wood, and a cabinet-maker by trade, was a descendant of 
John Peter Keichline, who settled in Bedminster township about 
1740, and there Samuel was born. Of the pioneer's sons, Peter, 
Andrew and Charles, Peter commanded a company in Colonel Miles' 
regiment of riflemen in the Revolution, and was taken prisoner at the 
battle of Long Island. Lord Sterling wrote Washington, that the 
English General Grant was killed by some of Keichline's riflemen. 

We do not know where Samuel Kachline learned his trade, but, 
the first we hear of him, was of his coming to Doylestown in 181 2, 
and working on the public buildings then being erected. We now 
lose sight of him for a few years, but, in 1820, he set up in business 
here, and was married the following year.' He bought Timothy 
Smith's stock of tools and opened a shop on one of the corners of 
Garden alley and Pine street, then called ' ' Shewell ' ' street. This 
was probably at the northeast corner, where Judge Yerkes' tenant 
house stands. Here he carried on a successful business, as carpenter 
and nndertaker, for several years, until he was bought out by John P. 
Paul, who succeeded him. Subsequently to this, the date not known, 

I By the Rev. Robert Boyd, September 16, 1821, Samuel Kachline, of 
Doylestown, to Miss Huldah Jones, daughter of John Jones of Buckingham. 

184 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 185 

Samuel Kachline ^ went into the lumber business with Tobias L. 
Cressman and John Maugle, who had held public office here, open- 
ing a yard on the south side of East State street, occupying the 
Donaldson and Kochersperger's property, including the street 
between them. While here Mr. Kachline fell from a lumber pile 
which was the cause of his death. He survived his injuries ten weeks, 
and died October 29, 1853, at the age of sixty-two years and one 
month. 

Mr. Kachline was a man well liked by his neighbors, and 
wielded considerable influence, serving one term of three years on the 
board of County Commissioners. Six children survived Samuel 
Kachline at his death, three sons and three daughters. Two of the 
sons, William and Samuel, following their patriotic instincts, and the 
example of their ancestors, enlisted in the Union Army at the out- 
break of the Civil War. William joined the Doylestown Guards, the 
first company to leave this county, his name standing second on the 
roll, and served in the Shenandoah Valley campaign of 1861. Samuel 
enlisted in the Third New Jersey Cavalry for the war, and saw the end 
of it at Appomattox. Of Paul, who succeeded Mr. Kachline in 
cabinet-making, we know nothing beyond the fact he came here. 

In 1827, George Luckenbach set up a cabinet-making shop, 
using dog power for turning his lathe. As this was probably the first 
tmie this was used in the county it attracted considerable attention. 
The Intelligencer, of June 29, 1827, mentions the editor's visit to 
Luckenbach' s shop, where he saw a couple of dogs in a drum turning 
a lathe and speaks of it as "a new application of dog power." We 
do not know how long Luckenbach was here before calling dog power 
into requisition, nor when he left, but remember when the dogs were 
at work. 

Lester Rich settled at Doylestown in January 1830, living on the 
"New Hope street," and, from that time, spent his life here. In 1840 
his house, a frame, was on the site of Charles C. Cox's brick dwelling, 
north side of East State street four doors from Main, with shop on 
the same lot. Mr. Rich served one term as postmaster. His son, 
Silvester, read law, was admitted to the bar, practiced at Norristown, 
subsequently removed to Philadelphia where he died, 1893. Lester 
Rich had one daughter, a very pretty girl, who was her father's 
deputy while postmaster. In 1834, Daniel Tilton opened a cabinet 



2 While the spelling of the name, by the first settlers, was Keichlme, 
Samuel and family spelled it Kachline. We have used both ways. 



i86 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

wareroom in the village, and Theodore T. Kinsey in 1843-44; the 
latter in subsequent years going into the lightning rod business in 
Philadelphia, where he made a snug fortune at it and died there. He 
was a cabinet-maker by trade. At one time Mr. Kinsey kept the 
Green Tree tavern, corner of Broad and North Main streets, and, 
from there, moved into a private dwelling on East State street, and, 
while living here, began the lightning rod business. 

In 1 82 1, a new minor mechanical industry came to Doylestown, 
the trade of tin plate worker, and the person who set it up was 
William Maxwell. He opened his shop ' ' on the Norristown road 
about twenty rods west of Harvey's store." As "Harvey's Store" 
was on the northeast corner oi State and Main streets where William 
Randall keeps, this would bring the Maxwell place about Kolbe's tin 
shop on the north side of West State street. In 1832 Maxwell 
carried on business in the second story room in the old Shearer frame, 
on the site of the Seigler building. Court and North Main, the Post 
office occupying the first floor. The Maxwells remained here many 
years, removing to Philadelphia about 1850. The son John reached 
some prominence. He was a long time conductor on the Camden- 
Amboy railroad, and a member of the New Jersey Legislature one or 
two sessions. Maxwell was probably the first tin plate worker at the 
county seat. 

The first foundry in Doylestown was established 1828, of which 
one of the town papers says : 

"Among the improvements which are making in our pleasant 
village, we are pleased to notice that of our enterprising neighbors, 
Burrows and John McVickers. They have just gotten into operation a 
new foundry erected on the property of the senior partner, which from 
its novelty in this part of the country, has attracted the attention of our 
citizens, and drawn to their establishment a goodly number of specta- 
tors. " The location is not given, but we believe it to have been on 
West State street, near Hamilton. Mr, Vickers died January 8, 1830 
at the age of 25, and that winter John Ramsey bought the foundry, 
and began business. Francis Levering, a marble cutter in Doyles- 
town, 1825, was set up in business by Yardley & Taylor, storekeepers, 
but, beyond this, nothing is known of him. 

In 1825, Alexander Enochs, born in Philadelphia about where 
Girard College stands, came to Doylestown and opened a marble yard, 
having formerly carried on the business at Norristown. He remained 
here to his death, 1833 and was burried in the Presbyterian grave 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 187 

yard. His wife, was Elizabeth Bartle of Barren Hill, Montgomery- 
county, and she conducted the business some time after her husband's 
death. His oldest son, Enoch, got the gold fever in 1849, and went 
to California as a pioneer, but returned after a brief stay and settled in 
Lousiana, where he established himself in business. In 1861, he re- 
turned to the North to await the issue of the Civil war, settling at Ard- 
more, Montgomery county. At the close of the war he went South 
again, retaining his home at Ardmore, whither he returned, and was 
appointed Postmaster by President Cleveland in his second term, and 
we believe is still living there. How many children Alexander Enochs 
had we do not know, nor when the widow died. The rest of the 
family removed to Philadelphia. 

In so far as we have been able to learn, there have been but two 
book binderies in Doylestown. The first, of this useful trade to come 
among us, was John A. Haake, who went into business about the first 
of August, 1830. He had a stationery store connected with his bind- 
ery, "at the next door south of Charles Morris' tavern." As Morris 
kept what is now the Monument House, Haake must have occupied 
the frame on the site of Hellyer's new store house. Doylestown' s 
second, book bindery was Joseph B. Steiner, who opened his place of 
business here, in January, 1901. He was born near Vienna, Austria, and 
learned the trade there. Steiner was succeeded by Eugene Laatz, 
who set up a bindery for himself in the Democrat oflice. 

In 1830 the Misses M. and L. Sharpless, of Philadelphia, came to 
Doylestown accompanied by their mother, and opened a mantau- 
making establishment in their dwelling on South Main street, next 
door below Pettitt's tavern. They remained many years, their mother 
dying here. In the same period, Mary and Eleanor Austin, 3 daugh- 
ters of William Austin, carried on the millinery business. One of 
them married a man named Higgins, the other, James McCoy, whose 
son, John, was a Lieutenant in the 104th regiment, in the Civil war. 
In 1846 the Misses Shewell, relatives of Nathaniel Shewell, possibly 
his sisters, were in the millinery business at Doylestown, but, how long 
they continued, we are not informed. 

In 1831, Peter Adams was a " Vitualler " in Doylestown, the first 
of the occupation we have met with, and advertises for those indebted 
to him, "big and all" to pay up within ten days or they " will have 
the pleasure of settling with a magistrate." Norris Lee was an 

3 At Doylestown, March 10, 1836, Eleanor Austin, daughter of William 
Austin in the 25th year of her age. 



i88 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

oyster-man in 1836, and Nathaniel Hubbard keeping a restaurant in 
the basement of the frame on Main street, opposite the Fountain 
House, where he was burned out with the Democrat plant and other 
occupants of the building- the same year. 

Abraham Garron, who came here from Easton about 1841, to 
follow his trade, that of brick laying, did not follow it over a year be- 
fore embarking in the restaurant business, probably the first to open 
such place in Doylestown. This was in 1842-43. He first kept in 
the little stone building at the south end of the Mansion house; from 
there he moved into the basement of the brick on Main street, oppo- 
site the Fountain House, and thence to the new brick he built, on the 
west side of South Main street one block from State, 1854-55. Prior 
to the Civil War, the price of the ordinary oyster stew was twelve and 
one-half cents, but it suddenly jumped up to twenty-five cents, other 
things in proportion and has kept there, Garron was without a competitor 
for years and did a successful business. His son succeeded him at his 
death, 1893, and conducted the business until 1895 when he sold out 
and engaged in rose culture in the township. In the meantime, by 
virtue of an order of Court, the saloon keepers were obliged to come 
up from the basements, whereby their places were much improved in 
appearance and otherwise. 

In May, 1844, Mrs. White, wife of John White, opened a " New 
Fectory ' ' at her residence, a two-story stone on the site of the Louis 
B. Thompson brick, recently owned by Joshua Tomlinson, south side 
of Court and Main. Here the author spent his spare pennies for 
candies, and other sweets in that line. Since the days we speak of, 
there have been a number of eating houses and restaurants in Doyles- 
town, but none licensed to sell spirituous or vinous liquors. 

A restaurant has been longer kept in the building on the south 
side of Court street at the junction of Main, than in any other 
place in Doylestown. The building was erected in 1848, by Samuel 
J. Paxson, for a printing ofifice, but he sold it to Robert Evans, 1854, 
and moved into his new ofifice next door above where the Democrat is 
still published. Evans kept the restaurant a short time and sold it to 
Samuel F. Ginsley * who was its owner several years. During his 

4 Samnel F. Ginsley was a resident of Doylestown over half a century, 
coming here in the fall of 1849, and dying February 4, 1901, at the age of 
eighty. He was born at Philadelphia, 1821, and his wife at Stuttgard, Germany, 
coming to America at the age of nine. Mr. Ginsley owned and lived in, three 
houses in Doylestown, dying in the dwelling he purchased of Dr. O. P. James, 
South Main street, at the close of the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Ginsley intro- 
duced the " Christmas Tree" into Doylestown and were the first to set one up 
in their own dwelling, and now an universal feature of Christmas holidays. 
Mrs. Ginsley died December 22, 1903. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 189 

ownership, a restaurant was kept in the basement, Charles Zenneck 
being the proprietor; Ginsley's barber shop was on the first floor and 
the rest of the building the owner occupied as a dwelHng. Since the 
property passed out of Ginsley's hands there have been several owners. 
It again changed hands in the spring of 1901, being purchased by 
Harrold A. Hellyer and again in 1902 by Hugh Thompson, who 
sold it the following year. A restaurant has been kept in the build- 
ing continuously since 1854, a period of forty-eight years. William 
Schooner owned the place several years, but sold out to Hellyer, and 
removed to New Jersey. It again changed hands in 1904 by Hugh 
Thompson selling out to A. V. Higgins, of Bordentovvn, N. J. several 
years in the railroad business. It long had a repute for its appetising 
dishes, and stewed terrapins and snappers are still specialties on the 
bill of fair. 

Jacob Troxel, a hat manufacturer, was in Doylestown, 181 1, and 
probably before, as the time of his beginning business is not known. 
He died five years afterward, s Nathan Cornell, the next in order in 
this calling, was here in 18 19, and carried on for several years. He 
was still in business in 1841, when he advertised his stand as the 
"Doylestown ' O. K. Hat' manufactory." He did quite an extensive 
business, and died previous to 1844, leaving a widow, two sons and 
two daughters. The eldest son, Theophilus, is living in Philadelphia, 
and E. Mitchell Cornell, the younger son, is deceased. His eldest 
daughter was the first wife of George Hart, a member of the Bar 
and the younger, Fanny, married the Revd. John Tetlow, former rector 
of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, Doylestown, 1863-64, 
They went to Germany subsequently where both died. 

In the meantime a new hat manufacturer, Thomas Hayes, came to 
town and set up business. He was born at Wilmington, Delaware, 
and married his wife at Line Lexington, Bucks county, coming here 
from West Chester about 1836. He moved into the Hargrave house. 
South Main street, and rented Shearer's old frame at North Main 
and Court for a place of business. In two years he moved to the 
Pugh Dungan house, West Court street, now owned by Wynne James 
and built a shop where the Hunt house stands. About 1840 he and 
O. P. Lunn went into busines together and carried on for several 
years. At first they made stiff hats and then silk, but the slouch 

5 In Doylestown, August 27, 1815, Jacob Troxel, hatter, in the thirty-sec- 
ond year of his age, leaving a widow and an infant daughter to lament the loss 
of an affectionate husband and parent. 



I90 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

broke up the silk hat business. Hayes was appointed a tipstave near 
the last of Judge Krause's time, and served under Smyser, Chapman 
Roberts and Watson. When James became disabled from old age, 
Hayes was appointed Acting Court Cryer, and served to James' death. 
Hayes died, 1872, at the age of sixty-seven, and Lunn, also, died 
here. They were the last hat makers at Doylestown. 

Thomas Hayes was an ardent Democrat and active politician; a 
warm personal and political friend of Judge Chapman, and, withall, 
something of a wag. At that day politics was more picturesque than 
now, and greater attention paid to the role of by plays. One evening 
Hayes, his business partner, Lunn, and other friends of Chapman, 
met at what is now the Fountain House, and, warming up in their 
admiration of their political idol resolved to pay him a visit and bring 
him out for Governor. The Judge then lived in the house on North 
Main street now occupied by the family of the late O. P. James. 
Hayes led the delegation, and, knocking at the door, they were 
ushered into the parlor with due ceremony. The Judge soon made 
his appearance and gave proper welcome to his visitors. After the 
compliments of the season had passed, Hayes proceded to business 
by opening his nominating speech, which abounded in flattering 
allusion to the Judge's public and private career, concluding by 
pledging the support of himself and friends. Hayes reasserted his 
personal loyally to the Judge, which he emphaized by saying; " for 
you I can jump up higher, dive down deeper, and come up dryer 
than any other man. You are my gallant Harry," and, suiting the 
action to the words, Hayes slapped the dignified Judge on the back. 
The delegation was now bowed out. 

Samuel Hubbard, painter and glazier, was in Doylestown in 1813, 
and may have been here earlier, but we know nothing more of him. 
Nathaniel Hubbard, known to some of the present generation, of the 
same occupation as the former, not a relative so far as we know, was 
here in 1830. He added sign painting to the common branches of the 
trade, and, if our memory be not at fault, also made chairs. He 
dabbled in politics on the Democratic side, and, now and then, tasted 
of the sweets of ofifice; was constable many years, and, altogether 
cut something of a figure in village life. At the breaking out of the 
Civil war, Hubbard enlisted in the 104th regiment, and served a 
three years enlistment. He had a son Joseph, who long since passed 
from \iew. Hubbard died here. In 1833 there was a painter, glazier 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 191 

and paper hanger in Doylestown named Joseph Scott, but this is all 
we know of him. 

Edward Heston was here carrying on his trade, painter and 
glazier as early as 1840, and possibly before. He formed a partner- 
ship with George W. Firman which was dissolved April i, 1841, each 
partner setting up for himself, Firman occupying the old shop, that of 
Lester Rich, on East State street. Heston followed the trade for 
several years, then opened a feed store on Pine street, occasionally 
doing a little at his trade. He lived on the northwest corner of Pine 
and York streets and died there in the nineties. 

Conrad Shearer was an early harness maker at Doylestown, but 
what time he began business we are not informed. In the spring of 
1838, he and his son, E. H. Shearer, were in partnership. The 
following year their shop was on the north side of West State street, 
a few doors west of the Fountain House. The son afterward carried 
on the trade for many years, and to his death. A considerable part 
of the time he occupied the little frame on the site of the Siegler 
building, corner of East Court and South Main streets, and in it kept 
the Post Office. 

The Shearers were followed in harness making by Samuel P. 
Hamilton, who learned the trade with Conrad Shearer. He was the 
son of Benjamin Hamilton, and born in Solebury township, Bucks 
county. At what time he came here, or when he began business, we 
do not know, but when Charles H. Mann quit the trade, 1843, Hamil- 
ton took his stand at the northwest corner of State and Pine streets, 
where he remained several years, and whence he removed to the brick 
block on the south side of West State street, erected soon after the 
close of the Civil War. He occupied the first house west of the 
Mansion House now included in Hotel Pollock. He died in 1885. 
Mr. Hamilton was a member of the Doylestown Greys, the crack 
military company of the county, and, at one time, the treasurer. He 
married Rebecca Divine, of Doylestown, one of the prettiest girls of 
the village, and had two or three sisters as pretty as herself. Mrs. 
Hamilton is still living. 

In 1833, the tradesmen of the borough were increased by the 
arrival of Norris Lee, a "barber and perfumer," who not only 
shaved his customers, but sold to them, among other articles, " Milk 
of Roses, Chlorine Tooth Wash, Negro Head Tobacco and Orange 
Flower Water," and both bought and sold "second hand clothing." 
How long he staid, or whither he went, when we left we do not know. 

In 1826, a man, named "Joe Bon," came to Doylestown and en- 



192 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

gaged in one of the minor industries advertising his calling in one of 
the town newspapers, as follows: "Joe Bon, informs the gentlemen 
of Doylestown, that he will engage to take boots in the evening and 
return them well polished the next morning at very reasonable terms." 
This is the first and last we know of "Joe" or whether his enterprise 
was a success or failure. Of him it cannot be said he is " known to 
fame." In 1830, Meredith and Raisner had 40,000, bricks for sale 
at their kilns, and, in 1833 Asher Cox was a stone mason and plas- 
terer at the county capital. 

Aden G. Hibbs was a chairmaker in Doylestown prior to 1830, 
in partnership with Pugh Dungan, but they dissolved in April, 1829. 
Their shop was on the " Easton Road" nearly opposite Squire 
Shaw's office. He removed to Hatboro, Montgomery county, and 
from there went west, settling near Columbus, Ohio. He accumulated 
a respectable competency of this world's goods, and died in 1900. 
The two Gaucher brothers, David and Thomae W. settled here about 
1842. They were joiners and worked at it in partnership for a year 
or so, when they dissolved. John White purchased David's interest, 
and the latter now turned his attention to the carpenter trade, and 
built the large dwelling of Henry Chapman, 1844, at that time the 
finest house in the borough. David Gaucher soon left Doylestown, 
but Thomas W. passed his life here, following his trade a cabinet 
maker, working for several years in a frame shop on the south side 
of East State street, standing on the lot next to the dwelling of Dr. 
Hutchinson P. Yerkes, at the corner of the alley. Gaucher was not 
without talent, but was more fond of polemics than his trade. 

Good horses being an early fad with the people of Doylestown, it 
led the proprietors of our livery stables to keeping fine stock in the 
past. Smith Price had a stable here in 1839, and John Weikel nine 
years later, 1848. The latter was smewhat sportive and picturesque. 
Among his horses was a pair of match grays the young men de- 
lighted to drive. 

One of the most prosperous industries of Doylestown in recent 
years, was the Worstall & Carl Spoke and Wheel Co., incorporated, 
1 89 1. Their occupation was making wheels, spokes and felloes. It 
was founded thirty-seven years ago, and was of humble birth. In 
1864, William Coheen, formerly in the wheelwright business, at Davis- 
ville and other places, came to Doylestown and began the manufacture 
of spokes, in the old building on the flatiron formed by the crossing of 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 193 

West Court and State streets. At first, Dr. Evans, of Hatboro, was 
interested in the business, and subsequently William Goheen's son, 
J. Warner,^ assisted his father. In 1S72, Goheen sold his interest 
to Martin Jarrett, of Horsham, who carried on the business alone until 
1877, when Carl and Worstall formed a partnership with Jarrett, who 
died about 1886. The property was now purchased by Carl & Wor- 
stall, who carried it on under the firm name of Worstall & Carl, and, in 
1 89 1, as we have already stated, they sold out to a corporation. They 
did quite an extensive business in both the home and foreign trade; 
shipping their goods to the middle and New England states, at home, 
and wheels to England and Ireland. The shipments to England, in a 
single year, averaged about eight hundred dollars a month and their 
business, reached is about twenty-five thousand dollars a year. 
On Monday evening, March 7, 1904, the establishment accidently 
took fire, and was totaly destroyed, with an estimate loss of thirty 
thousand dollars. 

6 J. Warner Goheen, son of William Goheen was born at Davisville. 
After leaving his father's spoke factory, he read law with WilUam Fell, Phila- 
delphia; was admitted to the bar and rapidly grew into practice. In a few years 
he was elected to the Common Council where he made his mark in the munic- 
ipal legislation of the city. In 1879, he married a daughter of the late John B. 
Pugh, Esq., Doylestown, and resided in Philadelphia to his death, in 1899. 
Had his life been spared he would undoubtedly have reached a prominent 
position. 



|)oijlc0toiuiu if^lh mb Item. 

XXI 
Opening of Streets. 

The streets of Doylestovvn were laid out and opened as they were 
needed, after the two main highways, connecting the Delaware with 
the Schuylkill, and Philadelphia with Easton, had been opened. This, 
however, was not done until a small hamlet had grown up about the 
cross-roads and received the name of " Doyle's Tavern," with changes 
that made the spelling the same as to-day. The first of these sub- 
sequent roads, or streets, was opened on the line between New Britain 
and Warwick townships, the present Court street, running east from 
the Easton road, now North Main street, to the Buckingham line.' 
This was in 1807. and then called the "Academy Lane" for many 
years, and a few of the "rude fore-fathers" still call it by this name. 
It was subsequently extended from Main street southwest, crossing 
West State street at what is now Clinton. Broad street was next opened, 
181 1, from East State street to North Main, then continuing into the 
country and known as "Dutch Lane. "^ There were no additional 
streets opened until after the village had became the county seat, 18 13. 

In the first movement for incorporating Doylestown into a 



1 The Buckingham line is still called the " Swamp Road," and, in the long 
ago, was the highway from Quakertown and the northwest section of the 
county to Newtown, the seat of Justice. 

2 Broad street was called "Dutch L.ane," because it runs out to the 
" Dutch," or Mennonite meeting house after crossing Main street, and some 
people still call it by this name. Just what time York street was opened 
we are not informed, as we have never seen the official papers, but we 
believe about 1830. 

194 



K f ■!^y lK Jl^«f^' ^ fmM ^!T^•f!^ 




/: '/f'/r///"// u/ /'/'.'•■fiH 







a: 



riTTTTTl j aiTTTTTl L_ld 



! 4 






/'/an i,/'/:'>i/niii(f,t>/}uf,ii/><l Shirill^ //>.,>;-/ 



NEW JAIL, 1SS4. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 195 

borough, 1830, the jury, appointed to survey and lay out, returned 
two reports to the court, one giving the course and distance of the 
lines bounding it, the other the names of the streets, and, strange as 
it may seem, only one bore the name " street," the others " road" 
or " lane," a singular instance of modesty on the part of the jurors. 
The present Main street was the " Easton Road;" State street, the 
"New Hope Road;" Broad street, "Dutch Lane;" Court street, 
" Academy Lane;" and York street, "Front street." These were 
Doylestown's five public highways, in 1830, seventy-three years ago. 
Things were primitive at that day, for the seat of justice of the old 
and populous county of Bucks. The last of the old group of streets 
was York street running from South Main to the New Hope pike at 
the Catholic church. It was sometimes called Front street. Ashland 
street was opened about the time the North Penn R. R. entered the 
borough, 1856. 

From this time forward, the opening of new portions of the 
borough for building purposes naturally suggested the laying out of 
streets, and the council was not slow in responding. In their order 
they were the eastern, southwestern and western suburbs. In the 
former the leading streets are Maple and Linden avenues. This was 
near the close of the sixties, and, in 187 1 a subscription was solicited 
for the purpose of improving Maple avenue, then recently opened, and 
eighty- five dollars were subscribed. Andrew LaRue, instrumental in 
bringing this section into the market, and part owner of the land, was 
the heaviest subscriber, giving twenty-five dollars. This is a resident 
section, and Maple and Linden avenues are among the most pleasant 
streets in the borough. The Magill property, some thirty acres, in 
the triangle formed by South Main and West State streets, was put in 
the market soon after the close of the Civil war, streets opened and 
buildings erected. 

As will be noticed, in another chapter, the Magills were among 
the early settlers of Doylestov/n, and they owned part of the borough 
site. Before the tract above mentioned was sold, the Magill family had 
opened three small streets contigious to West State and near South 
Main, named "Mary," "Arabella" and "Louisa" streets. In the 
deed of release, of the heirs of William Magill, of Doylestown, to Al- 
fred Magill, a coheir of the said William Magill, it is provided that the 
three streets named "as laid down on the said draft are always to be 
kept open and free from incumbrance of any kind." It might be well 
for some of the owners of this tract to look to it that the condition of 



196 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

this deed of release is not violated. If this be overlooked trouble 
might be caused to the property. 3 

Our street system is the equal of most villages of its size and 
possibly better. The streets are well curbed, and paved and the road 
bed good. In addition, our location is such, on an elevated plateau, 
nearly six hundred feet above tidewater, and above the level of the 
country around us, that the streets act as conduits to carry off the 
water of a heavy rain. 

Down to 1838, there was no outlet for the people of Doylestown 
except over the ordinary dirt roads, which, in winter, became almost 
impassible, a draw back to the prosperity of the county seat. Better 
roads were often talked about before final action was taken. The first 
movement for a turnpike, connecting with that at the Willow Grove, 
and leading to Philadelphia, was made at a meeting held at Field's 
tavern, 1828, and books were authorized to be kept open there and at 
Thomas Brunn's, Willow Grove, for six days, but it went no farther. 
Meanwhile, a new effort was made, and, by May i, 1838, sufficient 
stock was subscribed to entitle the " Doylestown and Willow Grove 
Turnpike Company," to the state appropriation. Judge Fox became 
the first president, as well as an important factor in pushing the turn- 
pike to completion, and Dr. Charles H. Mathews was secretary and 
treasurer. 

The second turnpike, leading out of Doylestown, was the Doyles- 
town and Buckingham, finished 1848. The first meeting was held at 
the public house of Isaac C. McCarty, Centreville, January 2, 1841, 
Colonel William Beans, chairman. The next we hear of this project 
was a meeting at Thatcher's tavern, Centreville, November 10, 1846; 
subscription books were opened December i, and sufficient stock sub- 
scribed by January 20, '47; proposals for grading, stoning and build- 
ing bridges were advertised May 6; the work was begun about June i, 
and completed August i, 1848. The road was opened for travel 
August 5, and twenty-one dollars and fifty cents received in toll on that 
day. It was a new thing. The president was William T. Rogers, 
Harvey Shaw, secretary and Edward Williams, treasurer. The turn- 



3 The following is the abstract of title of the said Rlagill property: Law- 
rence Growden and Langhorne Bile.s, executors of Jeremiah Langliorne, to 
William Scott, May 23, 1753; William .Scott to Archibald Crawford, August 6, 
1753; Archibald Crawford to Robert and Ilenry Magill, May 17, 176S, including 
the above ten acres; Henry Magill and wife to Robert Magill, March 2, 1776. 
Robert Magill died intestate leaving a widow Mary, and children Alfred, Louisa 
C, William D., Robert M. and Benjamin M. in whom the same vested in fee. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 197 

pikes from Doylestown to Plumsteadville and Dublin, and those from 
Centreville to New Hope and Newtown, giving the county seat good 
roads to those points, were subsequently built. Within recent years, 
a turnpike was projected from Doylestown, via New Britain, into 
Montgomery county and ultimately to reach Norristown, and stock 
subscribed, but some hitch prevented it being built. 

At the session of the Legislature, of 1830-31, an act was passed 
authorizing a State Road from New Hope on the Delaware, via 
Doylestown, Norristown and West Chester, to the State line, and to be 
continued to Port Deposit, on the Susquehanna. This measure met 
with great opposition, and a meeting was called at Charles Morris' 
tavern, Doylestown, January 27, 1831 to take action against it and 
also against the State road from Easton to the Willow Grove. 

At this meeting Dr. Charles H. Mathews, was chairman and John 
Lancaster, secretary. This was followed by a meeting of those op- 
posed to a repeal of the act authorizing the laying out a State road 
from New Hope to Norristown, via Doylestown, held at Pettitt's 
tavern, 4 of which Josiah Y. Shaw was chairman, and James Kelley and 
C. E. DuBois, secretaries. These efforts for better lines of commu- 
nication across this section of the peninsula, from the Delaware to the 
Schuylkill, resulted in what are known as the Upper and Lower State 
Roads, both running through Doylestown but diverging west of the 
town, one running through New Britain, and the other by Castle 
Valley. They were mainly laid on the old road beds. 

We now come to the railroad period, and the craze, if such it may 
be called, which first struck this section as early as 1833. About the 
first of July a meeting was held at Henry SchoU's tavern, s of those 
friendly to a railroad from Lambertville on the Delaware, to Doyles- 
town, of which Lester Rich was chairman and James Kelley, secretary. 
A committee, consisting of Philip Fretz, Wm. Fenton, Samuel Kach- 
line, William Carr, and Joseph Moore, was appointed to procure a 
competent engineer to explore the proposed route and make a survey. 
In August, Samuel Hart, Doylestown, and Merrick Reeder, New 
Hope, took the levels and found the elevation, from the Delaware 
to Doylestown, to be overcome, was three hundred and sixty feet. 

The project seems to have stopped here, but the idea of a rail- 
road across our peninsula was not abandoned. At the session of 

4 Present Fountain House. 

5 Court Inn. 



198 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

1S35-36, a bill passed the Legislature, chartering a company to con- 
struct a railroad from Norristown, via Doylestown to New Hope. 
Engineers were put on the route, it was surveyed, and found to be en- 
tirely practicable, but the road was never located, railroad promoters 
having their attention attracted to more profitable fields. Subsequent 
attemps were made for a railroad from the Delaware to the Schuylkill 
but all of them proved abortive. Lewis S. Coryell, New Hope, was 
a leading man in the enterprise. The only thing like a favorable re- 
sult from these efforts, is the railroad from Norristown to connect with 
the North Penn at Lansdale, which gives Doylestown, and this section, 
a continuous route of travel and traffic to the Schuylkill. The time 
will come, however, when there will be a trunk line between our two 
rivers and to New York, a new and direct outlet from the Schuylkill 
coal region to the commercial metropolis of America, recently become 
the second populous city of the world, with 4,000,000 inhabitants. 
The opening of the North Penn railroad, from Philadelphia to Bethle- 
hem, 1856 with a connecting branch from Doylestown at Lansdale, 
completed our connections and put Bucks county's capital in touch 
with the outside world, so far as steam could make it, for the present. 

Subsequently the trolley, so-called, comes along, and the subtle 
fiuid, Franklin borrowed from the clouds, was converted into a motor 
that completed what the horse and steam had begun. The completion 
of the electric road to the Willow Grove, which affords a delightful, 
safe and convenient connection with the commercial centre of the Dela- 
ware-Schuylkill Peninsula, opens new possibilities for our county 
capital in the future. The first spike, in this trolley road, was driven 
Tuesday morning, November 30, 1897, by Daniel McLaughlin, Doy- 
lestown, and a bottle of wine broken at the track. The spike was after- 
ward withdrawn and presented to Mr. McL. as a souvenir of the 
event. In 1901, the tracks of the Willow Grove trolley were extended 
from State street, its first terminus, along North Main to Church, the 
first trip, on the extension, being made with passenger cars on Sunday, 
July 21. 

Since our trolley connection, with the Willow Grove and Phila- 
delphia, has been such a success, it has stimulated lines in other 
directions, and the author's prediction that Doylestown was destined 
to become a great trolley centre, in the near future, seems almost with- 
in sight. Following the Doylestown- Willow Grove trolley, was a 
line to Newtown, constructed in 1898-99, giving a continuous route to 
Bristol on the Delaware, and beyond, from Newtown, via Yardley to 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 199 

Morrisville, and from that place to Bristol. Both of these roads have 
a connection with Trenton and New York by trolley. Shortly after, a 
line was surveyed from Doylestown to New Hope on the turnpike, and, 
later, another route was surveyed west of the pike between the 
same points, and, while nothing has yet been done to carry out this pro- 
ject, there is talk of a trolley line being constructed from New Hope, and 
it is said the right of way has been secured part of the distance to Norris- 
town, via Doylestown. In the recent past, steps were taken to extend 
the trolley system from Doylestown into the upper end of the county 
in two directions, one on the Easton road to the Forks of the Dela- 
ware, the other in the direction of Perkaise, via Dublin, with possible 
extension to Quakertown. The latter is the plan of the Doylestown- 
Willow Grove trolley company, under an amended charter, while the 
former is the work of a new company, called the ' ' Philadelphia & 
Easton Railway Company," and will be completed within the year. 
The cars are running between Doylestown and the Tohickon, and 
Riegelsville and Easton. 

As these two roads will tap a rich and populous country, without 
trolley accommodations, we look for their completion in the near 
future. The trolley is not only the poor man's railway, but has come 
to stay. The steam roads have lost a considerable percentage of travel 
by antagonizing them at the beginning of their career, but what they 
may lose in the future is a problem to be solved. 

The first spike, on the Doylestown-Easton trolley railway, was 
driven on Saturday morning, June 22, 1901, in the presence of a 
number of persons, who took a deep interest in the proceedings; 
among those present being Councilmen T. O. Atkinson and John 
G. Randall ; Directors H. J. Shoemaker and Samuel A. Hellyer ; 
Superintendent T. H. Connell, Construction Boss M. S. Shinn, 
Street Commissioner Andrew Rickard, C. E. Woodmansee Wycombe 
Herald, ]o\m Clemens, Wynne James, Esq., Nelson K. Leatherman, 
Daniel G. Fretz, James Shellenberger, Edward Newell and W. W. 
H. Davis. The spike was made at the foundry of the agricultural 
works of Ruos, and contained the following inscription : 

D. & E. 

1 90 1 
H. D. R. 

This trolley railway, when completed, will put our county's capital 
in close touch with a rich and populous country, with which it has 



200 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

had, heretofore, no other communication than by the lumbering stage 
coach and wagon, on horse-back or afoot. It will become a trolley 
trunk line, and in the future, will be tapped by lateral trolley roads 
connecting with the North Pennsylvania and Belvidere-Delaware 
steam roads, on the east and the west. The rail trolley connection 
made, from and with Doylestown, was with New York, via Newtown, 
Yardley, Morrisville and Trenton. 

The last group, of borough streets, was laid out and opened in 
Doylestown, in i8g8. In the spring of that year James Pollock, a 
resident of thel)orough, made an addition, to the built-up portion of the 
town, by offering at public sale, one hundred and forty-two building 
lots, fifty by one hundred and fifty feet, northwest of Main street. 
Through this tract the council laid out five streets; Shewell and Harvey 
avenues, avenues A. and B. and Union street. Shewell avenue 
starts at Monument Place, the junction of Main and Court streets, and 
runs down into the valley of Pine Run. There was some opposition 
to opening Shewell avenue, but the matter was carried into the Court 
of Quarter Sessions where the trouble was straightened out. The 
sale of lots was held on May 5, but they were not all sold. Several 
nice dwellings have already been erected, and more are in prospect. 
This tract was a part of the Armstrong farm of which considerable has 
been said in this volume, and was owned by several persons, in the 
last century, including Dr. Hugh Meredith, Samuel Yardley and 
William Watts. 



ferf. CJixjX^^^iisiyruLcttv^ 







XCVT-OTJ<5tAao CK lD<nA^C^^hX(xl.i/v^50V/y€^ 



l'S3i 



THE OPENING OF STREETS. 



ioDleotomn, ®l& ani> Mm. 



XXII 
A Group of Churches. 

The fourth church, organized in Doylestovvn, was St Paul's 
Protestant Episcopal, which grew from seed planted in the spring of 
1845 by the Rev. George P. Hopkins. 

Living at Germantown, and occasionally preaching at neighbor- 
ing towns and villages, Mr. Hopkins came to Doylestown May 7, 
with a letter to Thomas Ross, Esq. , whose wife was the only church 
women here. Believing he saw his way clear before leaving, to estab- 
lish a parish, Mr. Hopkins made an appointment to preach here on 
the 1 8th. Service was held in the hall of the Beneficial Institute build- 
ing morning and evening, with a fair audience, and at Centreville in 
the afternoon. After this, service was held regularly by Mr. Hopkins, 
who continued to reside at Germantown the first two years, coming 
up by stage Saturday and returning Monday. 

The first steps for organizing a parish, were taken at the house 
of Andrew Donaldson, Sunday evening, April 26, 1846. Several 
gentlemen were present, and Messrs. Donaldson, Henry J. C. Taylor, 
William Limeburner,' Richard M. Donaldson, James M. Kempton, 
Benjamin Jackson and Charles H. Mann were chosen vestrymen. 
Messrs. Limeburner and Mann were elected wardens, a charter 
was adopted, the title of "St. Paul's" being given the parish 
and Mr. Hopkins was elected rector. Of the original vestry- 
men all are dead. Steps were taken toward the erection of a church 

I At Doylestown, February 27, 1846, John Limeburner, aged eighty-five 
years and eight months. 



202 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

building at a vestry meeting held May 15, 1846, when a building 
committee was appointed, and a lot purchased of Captain Taylor, 
the same on which the church now stands, for $200, on condition he 
would subscribe $100 toward the building fund. 

Ground was broken July 20, and the corner-stone laid September 
6, by Bishop Potter, in the presence of a large audience. Work was 
discontinued on the approach of cold weather, but resumed in the 
spring. The size of the original building was sixty by thirty-seven 
feet, the architect John E. Carver, Philadelphia, and the style early 
English. The Court granted a charter P^ebruary 8, 1848. While 
the building was being erected services were held in Beneficial Hall, 
East State street, the last on Sunday, March 26, and the first service 
in the new church on April 23, 1848. Arrangements having been 
made, for payment of the debt on the building, it was dedicated May 
30, 1850. There was a large turnout of clergy and laity, including 
Bishop Potter, and many persons of other denominations were pres- 
ent. The occasion was one of great interest to the community. The 
cost of the church, and furnishing, was $5,000. Mr. Hopkins, now 
feeling that he had finished his mission here, resigned the rectorship 
of the parish March 19, 1853, leaving with the blessings and regret of the 
congregation. Mr. Hopkins afterwards occupied parishes in Bradford 
county. Pa. , where he died in recent years. He was an excellent 
man in every sense, music being one of his accomplishments, the 
flute his favorite instrument. 

The church has had eleven rectors following Mr. Hopkins: The 
Reverends Reece C. Evans, William R. Gries^ who resigned 1861, 
to accept a chaplaincy in the army where he served his country with 
the same zeal as his Divine Master, John Tetlow,3 Byran McGann, 
Hurley Baldy, Thomas K. Coleman, V. Hummel Berghaus, Howard 
T. Widdemer, James F. Taunt, George N Eastman, and Edward 
M. Jeffreys who resigned in May, 1902, and the present rector, the 
Rev. John C. Gallaudet called in 1902. 

The church building has been twice repaired and improved, 1870, 
at an expense of $3,200, and, 1896, at a cost of $4,000. On the 
latter occasion the interior finish was changed to the eleventh century 
style of church architecture, and exhibits good taste, the architect 



2 Mr. Gries was chaplain of the 104th Pa. regiment, and .served three 
years in the Civil War making a fine record. 

3 Mr. Tetlow married Miss Fanny Cornell, of Doylestowii. After his 
resignation they went to Germany and lived there until their death. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 203 

being Dr. H. P. Yerkes a member of the vestry. In its half century 
of hfe, St. Paul's parish has grown in number and strength, and its 
influence correspondingly increased. In 1895, the fiftieth anniversary 
of the church was celebrated, the Rev. Mr. Hopkins, the first rector 
being present, and W. W. H. Davis delivered the historical address. 
Among the church temporalties is a comfortable and convenient 
rectory. 

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, otherwise called the church of 
" Our Lady of Mount Carmel," was the fifth religious organization in 
our borough, and belongs to the era of old Doylestown. The Rev. 
Father George was largely, if not wholly, entitled to the credit of 
founding it. He first came here as a missionery, 1850, and gathered 
the few catholics of the borough and vicinity together, and probably 
held service at private houses. Between the advent of Father George, 
and the fall of 1856, a church building was erected on the site of the 
present one, and dedicated November 23, by Bishop Newman, Phila- 
delphia. It occupies one of the most eligible sites in the borough, on 
an elevated spot at the eastern entrance, overlooking a wide scope of 
hill and valley. They, who took the deepest interest in the organiza- 
tion of the parish of St. Mary's, and the most liberal contributors, 
were the Farren and Patterson families of Doylestown township. 

Father George was pastor of the church until 1875, meanwhile 
building up a considerable congregation, when the Reverend Henry 
Stommel was called to the pastorate. Being a man of ability, possess- 
ing fine executive qualities and of popular manners, the parish soon 
felt the influence of his presence. The congregation increased in 
number and strength, and there was visible improvement on several 
lines, among them the enlargement of the building. On February 3, 
1876, a parochial school was opened in an old barn, by the Sisters of 
St. Frances, which they fitted up; the corner stone was laid for the 
Sisters' House, May 14, the new school house dedicated by the pastor 
June 20, 1876, and the corner stone of the new steeple laid April 28, 
1879. At the Silver Jubilee of the church, 1881, the sermon was de- 
livered by the Rev. Igatius Huntsman, subsequently Bishop of Cleve- 
land, Ohio. On June 11, 1879, the four new bells in the tower of the 
church, were blessed by the Rev. James F. Wood, Archbishop o 
Philadelphia; on July 6, the improvements of the church v/ere blessed, 
and August 6, 1882, the new organ was opened for the first time for 
service, Augustus Siegler, the organist, presiding. On August 12, 
1883 the altar was blessed. 

During the pastorate of Father Stommel, at St. Mary's Church, 



204 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

two of the Missions attached to the congregation grew into parishes, 
St. Isidore at Lansdale, and St. Martin's at New Hope. The corner 
stone of St. Isidore, a brick church, was laid and blessed by Father 
Stommel on Easter Monday, April 26, 1886, and dedicated by him 
August 2, assisted by other priests, with sermons in English and 
German. The congregation of St. Martin's, was transferred to Stanis- 
laus parish, Lambertville, September i, 1886, free of debt, the Rev. 
James Winter the pastor. The corner stone, of St. Martin's new 
stone church, was laid and blessed May 3, 1885, by Father Bready, 
Lambertville, Father Stommel, the first baptism and bells blessed 
July 12, 1885, first Mass celebrated July 19, first wedding August 20, 
1875, blessing of the Cemetery by the pastor, September 6, first 
funeral, September 7, and the church was dedicated by Archbishop 
Ryan, Philadelphia, assisted by eight priests, September 17, 1885. 
The first pastor was the Rev. Peter Quinn, who was installed Oct. 
13, 1885. 

In 1890 Father Stommel was called to a more important field in 
Philadelphia, but the fruit of his work is still seen and felt at St. 
Mary's. He was succeeded by the Rev. Hugh J. McManus, who had 
charge until his death in December, 1896. During his pastorate the 
temporalities of the church were improved, the interior being hand- 
somely repaired and a new organ, the gift of Mrs. John Farren was 
put in. At his death, the Rev. J. F. Magin, of Downingtown took 
Father McManus' s place, and the latter' s place was filled by Father 
Cavenaugh in the winter of 1901. There have been but five pastors 
at St. Mary's church since Father George began his missionary work, 
1850, including his pastorate. This speaks well for both priests and 
congregation. The church building is one of the handsomest in the 
borough and the congregation the largest but one. 

The seed, from which the Reformed church of Doylestown grew, 
was planted when the Rev. Alexander Vaughan, a minister of this de- 
nomination who had a classical school here, 1858. He preached occa- 
sionally in the Methodist church of a Sunday afternoon, and gradually 
gathered a small congregation. In i860, the Rev. W. R. Yearick 
was sent here by the Reformed Church Home Mission, to look after 
the little flock, and, on March 17, 1861, he succeeded in organizing 
a congregation of two hundred members. Services were held in what 
is now Masonic, then Benefical Hall until a church building could be 
erected, which they set about immediately. 

A lot was shortly purchased of the Fox estate, on the south 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 205 

side of East Court street; a committee, consisting of Leidy L. Gerheart, 
Michael Hoffman and Joseph L. Shelly, was appointed a board of 
trustees to have the congregation incorporated, and a charter was 
granted in September, 1864. Mr. Shelly is the only surviving charter 
member. The corner stone was laid October 16, 1864, and the 
building dedicated, 1865. Mr. Yearick continued pastor until the 
opening of 1868, when he was succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Heil- 
man, who resigned in the fall. The Rev. Levi L. Sheip was now 
called. He began his pastorate December i, 1868, and finished it 
only with his life. The church flourished under his pastorate. He 
labored faithfully and the result was most gratifying. His hopeful, 
cheerful disposition infused new energy in the congregation ; the 
church debt was soon paid off and the number increased. Besides 
being a faithful pastor, Mr. Sheip was a public-spirited citizen, taking 
an interest in every movement calculated to benefit the community. He 
was a great friend of education and had charge of the public schools of 
Doylestown several years. 

Feeling the necessity of a new church building, Mr. Sheip and 
the congregation took action in the spring of 1896; and at a congrega- 
tional meeting, held in June, H. C. Beidler, Harvey Scheetz, Mrs. 
Abraham Earth, Mrs. Lizzie Fluck, Mrs. Morgan Rufe, and EUwood 
Barnes, were appointed a committee to ascertain what amount of 
money could probably be raised for the purpose. The report being 
favorable, a subsequent congregational meeting decided to erect a new 
building, and the following committee was appointed: A. F. Scheetz, 
George G. Miles, H. J. Beidler, J. F. Long, Webster Grim, Franklin 
Garner, and William L. Hager. They proceeded at once with their 
work; a lot was purchased on the south side of Court street east of 
Church, an architect, A. O. Martin, of Doylestown, engaged to draw 
the plans and Mr. Overhalt, a master builder, employed. The corner 
stone was laid in September, the work pushed to completion and the 
building dedicated in 1897, with proper ceremonies. 

In the meantime, the Rev. Mr. Sheip dying suddently, after 
work had been commenced on the new building, February 17, 1897, 
the Rev. James R. Bergey, was called to succeed him and installed. 

The Reformed new church building is a handsome stone structure 
of Gothic style of architecture, seventy-live by forty-eight feet and sur- 
mounted by a square tower at the northwest corner, seventy-six feet 
in height. The seating capacity of the auditorium is about five hun- 
dred, and it is adorned with stained glass windows. The central window 



2o6 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

over the altar, was the gift of a church organization known as " The 
King's Daughters," and memorial to their late pastor, the Rev Mr, 
Sheip. The building cost about $ii,ooo. 

In January, 1898, the Reformed Sunday School organized graded 
work for a course of Bible study, the first in the county to engage in it. 

The Rev. Levi C. Sheip, late pastor of the Reformed church, 
and born in New Britain, December 30, 1833, was the son of John 
and Hannah Snyder Sheip. He was a pupil at the Doylestown 
Academy, at twelve, then taught school, fitted for college at the Fred- 
erick Institute, Montgomery, graduated at Franklin-Marshall college, 
1861, and that year opened a school for boys in Temperance Hall, 
Doylestown. Selecting the ministry for his profession, Mr. Sheip 
entered the Reformed Theological Seminary at Mercersburg, where 
he graduated, and was licensed to preach in 1864. After a short 
pastorate of the Pennsburg church, he accepted a call from Blooms- 
burg where he remained two years, and, in 1868, accepted a call 
from the Salem Reformed Church, Doylestown, and remained here 
until his death. In 1869, he opened a school for girls in Masonic 
Hall, took charge of Linden Seminary in the early seventies, and 
was superintendent of Doylestown public schools from 1879 to 1890. 
In 1885, Mr. Sheip made an extended trip through Eiu'ope, visiting 
several of the leading institutions of learning. He took great interest 
in education, and advanced the cause of learning in Doylestown in 
every possible way. Mr. Sheip possessed an agreeable personality 
and had many friends. 

St. Paul's Lutheran church, Doylestown, the fourth of our group, 
v\as founded, i860. On the 25th of August, of that year, the Rev. 
F. Berkemeyer, pastor of the Hilltown Lutheran church, preached in 
the court house, by appointment, and from this beginning gathered 
the Germans of the vicinity and organized a congregation. Services 
were held in the court house for six months, when St. Paul's Protest- 
ant Episcopal church tendered the use of their building to the Luther- 
ans. This courtesy was accepted, and enjoyed for a while, when the 
new congregation changed their place of worship to the Academy, 
where, it will be remembered, a room was reserved for religious services 
at its erection, bj'' the donor of the lot. 

As the Germans were usually members of either the Lutheran or 
Reformed church, and " union churches" everywhere the custom, it 
was at first proposed to adopt it at Doylestown. It was decided, how- 
ever, in 1862, that no such union should be undertaken, and the little 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 207 

congregation assumed the responsibility of erecting a building of their 
own. This project received both encouragement and financial aid from 
the EngHsh churches, of Doylestovvn, which reaUzed the need of re- 
Hgious ministration to the Germans in their own language. 

About this time the Rev. Mr. Berkemeyer was succeeded in the 
pastorate by the Rev. George Heilig, who was followed by the Rev. 
R. M. Jacobs, and the church building was partially completed in 
1867. Services were held at first in the basement, but, during this 
period, the congregation falling into financial trouble the building was 
sold by the contractors and bought for the church, for $2,600. The 
congregation now deciding to complete the building, a committee was 
appointed in April, 1875 to take subscriptions. This consisted of the 
Rev. J. H. Fretz, Morgan Rufe, Conrad Hahl, John L. Kramer 
and W. Shade. During the year, $800 were subscribed, but the work 
was deferred until the following spring. When it was resumed, the 
progress was slow, but the building was finally completed, and dedi- 
cated March 4, 1877. This was a day of rejoicing and right- 
fully so, after such a long struggle. In the meantime, on Ascension 
Day, May 6, 1875, at a congregational meeting; it was unanimously 
decided to use the Liturgy as prepared and recommended by the 
Ministerium of Pennsylvania, as almost all the members were pro- 
vided with copies of the service book. 

The Rev. G. Heileg was succeeded by the Rev. R. M. Jacobi, 
the -length of time each served not being given, nor the time of their 
appointment. Following these, the pastors, from 1869 to 1885, were 
the Revs. George Miller Lazarus, W. R. Bruehler, who resigned, 
1871, C. F. Welder, R. S. Wagner, 1873-75, J- H. Fritz, 1875-78, 
A. R, Home, D. D, 1878-85, the well-known educator, E. L. Miller, 
1885-88, and D. L. Coleman, 1888-90. The church was now without 
a pastor from September, 1890 to March 1891, being supplied for that 
period by students from the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Phila- 
delphia. From 1 89 1 to the present time, the church has had but two 
pastors, the Rev. J. R. Grol^, and the incumbent, the Rev. Samuel 
A. Bridges Stopp, called June 16, 1901 and entered upon his pastorate 
July I. He is an alumnus of Muhlenberg College, 1896, Princeton 
University, 1897, and the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mount 
Airy, Philadelphia, 1901. Mr. Stopp is a nephew of the late Hon. 
Samuel A. Bridges, of AUentown, who represented the Bucks- Lehigh 
district in the House of Representatives of the United States, elected, 
1852. 

As early as 1874, the services were held alternatel)' in English 



2o8 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

and German, but, since i8go, all the services have been in English. 
In 1875, the new constitution of the congregation was adopted, and 
the Sunday School organized in April of the same year. The 
Ladies' Aide Society did much toward finishing the church, and the 
capacious chancel, with its altar, reredos and windows, by Tiffany, 
were added in 1896. 

The church is in a prosperous state. It has one hundred and 
seventy-five communicants; a Sunday School, whose future is encour- 
aging; the fullest possible use is made of the Liturgy to the enrich- 
ment of the service, and the closest harmony with old Lutheran usages. 

While a Ba[)tist church was not erected in Doylestown until 
1867, an attempt was made as early as 1846, by the Rev. Samuel 
Nightingale, t He was elected pastor, at New Britain, 1838, but 
resigned January 1846, having moved into Doylestown prior to that 
time. He bought a lot on the south side of East State street, near 
Church, sixty-four by one hundred and seventy-one feet and laid out a 
building forty by fifty-three, and, in the spring of 1850, began work 
but never got above the first floor. The expense incurred was $630, 
collections $519, cash subscription, unpaid $350, and in material and 
work $450. The money subscriptions were mostly in small amounts 
the two largest being that of John B. Pugh, $50, and Simon Callender, 
$30. Mr. Nightingale had not finally abandoned his church enterprise 
in 1865, when he received a subscription of $20 from a Philadelphian. 
The lot was subsequently sold and dwellings erected upon it. 

The Rev. Samuel Nightingale was born in Burlington county, 
New Jersey, December 11, 1792, and died at Philadelpia, March 3, 
1881. He married Emma Billington, of Philadelphia, June 8, 1814 
and was the father of seven children. His eldest daughter, Anna, was 
twice married her first husband being Ex-Judge Richard Jones, 
Montgomery county. Pa., who was U. S Counsel General to Egypt. 
In his early years, Mr. Nightingale engaged in business in Baltimore 
and Philadelphia, which he left for the ministry. He was succeeded 
at New Britain by the Rev. Heman Lincoln, 1845. He now spent 
several years in Doylestown without a charge, occasionally preaching 
in the various churches. He was an unique person and an able preacher. 
One, who knew him well, and of the same faith and belief, called Mr. 
Nightingale the " Zachary Taylor of the Baptist ministry." 

After the attempt of Mr. Nightingale, to organize a Baptist con- 



4 At Doylestown, April 30, 1840, Matilda Nightingale, of consumption, 
daughter of the Rev. Samuel Nightingale, in her twentieth year. 




SALEM REFORMED CHURCH, 1S97. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 209 

gregation and erect a church building in Doylestown, a period of 
twenty-two years elapsed before a second effort was made. This was 
in 1867. From 1850, their pastors at New Britain preached occasion- 
ally in the Court House and Masonic Hall, and on the 14th of April, 
1867, a Baptist Sunday School was organized in the Beneficial Hall. 
On the nth of November, the Baptists of the vicinity met to consider 
the question of a church organization, the Rev. W. S. Wood in the 
chair. There were twenty-eight persons present, twenty-four from 
New Britain, three from Davisville and one from Philadelphia. The 
proposition was agreed to and, at a subsequent meeting, December 3, 
the First Baptist church, of Doylestown, was organized with forty-nine 
constituent members, thirty-six of whom brought letters of dismissal 
from New Britain. The New Hampshire confession of faith was adop- 
ted and the Rev. W. S. Wood chosen missionary pastor, one of the 
members guaranteeing his salary. The church organization was re- 
cognized January 16, 1868, at a comicil held in Beneficial Hall, com- 
posed of messengers from New Britain, Point Pleasant, First Phila- 
delphia and Second Germantown churches, the Rev. George Dana 
Boardman preaching the sermon in the Presbyterian church in the 
evening. 

The erection of a church building being the next thing in order, 
a lot was purchased May 26, for $1,200 on the southwest corner 
of West Court and Clinton streets, and a building erected at the cost 
of $23,000. The church was admitted into the North Philadelphia 
Association. The first pastor was the Rev. W. S. Wood, the same 
who was missionary pastor, but resigned in March 6, 1870. He was 
followed by the Revs. A. J. Hastings, 1870; John Miller, 1876; T. 
R. Howlett,5 1882; C. A. Hare, 1888; L. C. Leinback, 1893; N. C. 
Fetter, 1894 and the Rev. John H. Deming the present pastor. 

The membership at different periods down to 1888, but have no 
return since, was as follows: 1876, 181; 1877, 227; 1879, 238; 1880, 
215; 1882, 198 and 168 in 1888. 

Two members of the Doylestown Baptist church entered the 
missionary field and have achieved success, William Edgar Geil and 
Franklin Pierce Lynch. The former, an evangelist, recently returned 



5 The Rev. Thomas Rosling Hewlett, born in England, March 19, 1827, 
came to America at an early age, settled in Ohio, graduated in Divinity at 
Madison Seminary, 1858, and was first called to a Baptist church, at New 
Brunswick, N. |. In 1891, he met with an accident on the P. R. R. which 
caused the amputation of one of his legs. He died in Philadelphia, December 
27, 1898. Mr. Howlett was an author of considerable note. 



2IO DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

from a tour of the world, and, wherever he was heard, attracted great 
attention. Both entered Hfe with adverse surroundings, but have 
overcome every obstacle and achieved success. This was especially 
the case with Mr. Lynch. He attracted attention when a boy, working 
in Mr. Dungan's bone factory, and became a scholar in the Baptist 
Sunday School. Here he developed an insatiate thirst for know- 
ledge and a fixed purpose to gain an education. He became a 
ravenous reader, and the labors of the day were followed by reading 
and study in a barely furnished room, night after night. From the 
common school he entered Doylestown Seminary; thence to the 
Lewisburg Seminary where he graduated, 1884, the Yale Divinity 
school, and subsequent years at the Medical college of New York 
city, and in practice at Bridgeport, Conn. In 1893, the American 
Baptist Union sent Mr. Lynch to take charge of a sanitarium at the 
mouth of the Congo river, Africa, where he engaged in mission and 
hospital work, his hospital being equipped with instruments and med- 
ical supplies. He is not only a physician of high attainments, and a 
surgeon of great skill, but an impressive speaker. Despite flattering 
offers to establish himself in the United .States, he declines to leave his 
work in Africa. The Rev. Mr. Lynch was born and brought up in 
Doylestown. 

The latest church, built in Doylestown, was "The People's Col- 
ored church," so called, organized January 17, 1901, and erected on the 
site of the Colored Baptist church, destroyed by fire four years previous. 
The persons, most active in this movement, were George Gray, Annie 
Gray, Jane Ann Morris, Rev. John D. Mitchell, Emma Palmer, de- 
ceased, John Harris, James Harris, Dora Jackson, Lida Gould, 
Stephen Bowens, Cora Bowens and Mary Palmer. About this time, 
the Rev. Albert Price was called, and, for a time, insured a new spirit 
into the congregation and taught them the value of unity of action. A 
new church was shortly erected at a cost of $900, of which ^300 were 
paid in cash, and an effort was made to pay the balance, but we do not 
know with what success. The working organizations, belonging to 
the congregation, are a " Young People's Christian Endeavor Soci- 
ety," " Look-Out Committee," " Pray Meeting Committee," a "Sun- 
day School," with forty- five scholars, officers and teachers, and an 
"Anti-Swearing Society." Price, the pastor, left some time since. 



XXIII 
The Middle of the Century. 

We have now reached the fifties and are at the middle of the cent- 
ury. Down through the decades, from the advent of the nineteenth 
century, there had been a gradual expansion and improvement, but 
everything still moved along conservative lines. All seemed to be 
waiting for some new development, for "something to turn up "as it 
were, and put the county capital in closer touch with the outside 
world. There were indications, and had been for some time, but 
nothing came to pass, until about the middle of the fifties, that looked 
like a fulfillment of the promise. 

This "something" was the introduction of artificial light on the 
streets, in the dwellings and public buildings half a century ago. The 
first to make its appearance was rosin gas by John Simpson, of Phila- 
delphia, who erected a plant, 1854, and put it in charge of Wayne Bar- 
tholomew. It fell shortly into the hands of Morris & Tasker, also of 
Philadelphia, who began the manufacture of gas from coal. In 1864, 
Morris & Tasker sold their works to Peter Munsiger, likewise of Phila- 
delphia, but they passed into the hands of Morris & Tasker again be- 
tween 1879 and 18S2, and then to Charles Wheeler. On December 
20, 1882, Wheeler sold the plant to Theodore P. Harvey and James 
Kane, who ran it until Harvey's death, April i, 1886, Kane now 
had control of the gas works until the following November, when they 
were again sold, this time to Dumont & Wagner, other Phila- 
delphians. The gas works again changed hands by their sale to James 
Kane, September 27, 1887, who retained possession and managed 



212 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

them until April i, 1894, when he sold out to F. D. Zell, another 
Philadelphian, and Zell sold to the company which is the present 
owner. James Kane had more or less to do with all the gas com- 
panies down to the introduction of electricity, and was one of the pioneers 
in supplying our streets, and buildings with artificial light. Electricity 
came in 1892. The company was chartered January 26; the first 
meeting held at the ofifice of Henry Lear, Esq., the 27th, and lights 
turned on May 30. The officers elected, for 1892, were Henry Lear, 
president, John Yardley, secretary and treasurer, and Alfred Paschall, 
Henry Lear, James Pollock, H. S. Murfit, J. D. James, VV. H. Kirk, 
A. F. Sheetz and R. M. Yardley, directors. 

The next thing, and the most important, destined to lift our town 
of Doyle out of its drowsy, quiet, was the charter of a railroad from 
Philadelphia, to tap the Lehigh and country beyond at South Bethle- 
hem, with a promise of its completion in the near future. This would 
complete, by rail and steam, what the opening of the Bethlehem and 
Easton roads began, a century and quarter before. 

As there was capital behind this project, work was begun forthwith 
and almost finished to Lansdale by the summer of 1856, where a 
branch tapped it from Doylestown. The last rails were laid on the 
branch October i, that fall, and the approach of the iron horse is thus 
spoken of by the Bucks County Intelligencer of October 7: 

"The scream of the locomotive had been very distinctly heard 
for some days, and, at length, it is at our doors. The road was yet 
in a very incomplete state, but the work was actively going on, and 
would soon be in good running order. To-day the cars will commence 
running over the entire distance, from Doylestown to Philadelphia, 
affording our citizens an opportunity to visit the exhibition of the 
National Agricultural Society at Powelton which is now open. The 
trains will run regularly twice every day, but, owing to the incomplete- 
ness of the road, the jiassage will be somewhat tedious. From Phila- 
delphia to Doylestown, by the road, the distance is a little over thirty- 
two miles." 

In speaking of the station houses on the road, the same article 
says, of the one to be built at Doylestown: " It will be situated on a 
large lot of land owned b)'- the company, immediately at the southern 
entrance to the town, and will have a frame edifice fifty feet wide and 
one hundred and fifty long, suitably divided for the accommodation of 
passengers and of neat and ornamental workmanship." If this were 
ever promised, by the North Penn in relation to the station house to 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 213 

be erected at Doylestown, it reminds us of what Shakespeare put into 
the mouth of Macbeth, and was something 

"That keep the word of promise to the ear, 
And breaks it to the hope." 

Another article, in the same issue of the Intelligencer , headed 
"Arrival of the cars; opening of the railroad," said: 

" Yesterday afternoon a train, containing the directors and other 
officers of the North Pennsylvania Railroad, arrived in Doylestown. 
A large number of persons were in waiting to receive the visitors, 
and to witness the appearance of the iron horse in his professional 
capacity. The party took dinner at Kram's Hotel,' and in the after- 
noon, returned to the city. Hereafter we shall have communication 
with Philadelphia twice a day, by this route, morning and afternoon." 
Think of it ! 

Monday, October 6, was a red letter day for our county capital; 
it was put in touch with the commercial capital of the state by rail, 
"twice a day." Just think of it, after the lapse of forty-six years; 
Fifty years before, 1806, one of the inducements held out by the 
trustees of the newly-built Union Academy, for parents to send their 
children to it to school, was because "the Easton and Bethlehem 
stages run through the town twice a week, " now in 1856, half a 
century later, the descendants of the same children can reach Phila- 
delphia twice in one day. We repeat, ' ' Just think of it ! " The 
world does really move, we have stepped into new Doylestown, and 
our town will now leap along with its fellows, and bid farewell to 
the old. The name of the locomotive, that brought the first train 
of cars from Philadelphia to Doylestown, was an appropriate one, 
the " Civilizer, " and the engineer John Gleason. Among the early 
locomotive engineers of that day that served on the North Penn for 
several years was John McDonald Laughlin, who deserted the 
throttle for the musket in 1861. He enlisted in the 104th regiment 
for the war, served over three years and returned with the rank of 
Major. McLaughlin's locomotive was the " Neshaminy " No. 5. 
In one of the early trains, of 1856, an excursion train, filled with 
children, ran off the track just below Fort Washington, by which 
many were killed or badly wounded. At this period there was an 
attempt to boom building lots out Court street, but was not a success. 

The third local event, intended to push Doylestown ahead, and 

I At that time Abram Kram kept the " Citizen's House," the same building, 
altered, in which the " Scheetz Sons " keep store. Pine and East Court. 



214 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

would have done something toward it, had not misfortune overtaken 
the enterprise, was in the spring of 1855, when William Beek, an 
enterprising resident of the borough, purchased twenty-five acres in the 
southwest suburb for the purpose of putting on foot an exhibition of 
somewhat gigantic proportions. He enclosed it with a board fence, 
erected a large and attractive building, adapted to the purpose he had 
in view, and built extensive stabling to house the horses, cattle and 
lower animals that were to be placed on exhibition. The affair came 
of? in August, and, according to the newspapers, and the consensus of 
public opinion, was a "howling success." And so it was at first 
blush. It was held under Beek's individual patronage, including a 
diversified display of stock, agricultural implements— products of 
house and farm, and last, though not least, a real baby show, the first 
of the kind ever seen in the county. This was a drawing card. How 
many of these babies ever got to congress or reached the White 
House, we are not informed. There was also competition among 
female equestrians, and many a young fellow sent his best girl to the 
ring. Horace Greeley delivered the address, and, as a drawing card, 
he was only second to the baby show. The attendance was very 
large and all pronounced it a most successful affair. But the after- 
math spoiled all; that fall the building blew down in a gale of wind 
and was converted into kindling wood. The likeness, that ac- 
companys the text, and probably the only one in existence, speaks 
well for it. The Beek enterprise deserved a better fate, and his mis- 
fortune received the sympathy of all. 

Among the most conspicuous men, whose names were connected 
with the Beek exhibition of 1855, was that of the late Col. George G. 
Leiper, Delaware county, who was expected to preside as Chair- 
man. His portrait was painted by Samuel F. DuBois, the noted 
Doylestown artist, and hung in the Art Department, but a death in 
his family preventing Colonel Leiper being present, the Hon. Charles 
Huffnagle, of New Hope, this county, Ex-U. S. Consul- General at 
Calcutta, was selected in his stead. When the exposition building 
was blown down, and Mr. Beek found himself financially ruined, he 
returned the portrait of Colonel Leiper to Mr. DuBois, the artist 
who painted it. On the latter' s death, it came into possession of the 
family of the late Charles E. DuBois, Esq., where it remained until 
September, 1901, when it was presented to the Bucks County Historical 
Society. 

The most valuable improvement to Doylestown, and gave the 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 215 

borough the biggest boom it had received down to that period, and 
conduced to the health and comfort of the population, was the in- 
troduction of a plentiful supply of wholesome water for drinking and 
other domestic purposes. This has been so long enjoyed we fear the 
people fail to realize its importance. The late General William T. 
Rogers ^ is more entitled to the thanks of the people for this boon than 
any other one person living or dead. It was put on foot at the be- 
ginning of that decade, the first meeting being held on Tuesday 
evening, December 31, 1850, when a committee was appointed to con- 
sider the question, collect imformation, and report at a subsequent 
meeting. At this meeting an agreement was reached, among a few 
enterprising persons of the borough, that when the property, known 
as the " borough mill," came into the market it should be bought to 
secure the valuable water privileges it controlled, the only supply 
accessible. This consisted of several springs forming a mill dam, suit- 
able for a pumping reservoir. The mill belonged to the estate of 
Sandham Stewart, and, when put up at public sale, was purchased by 
General Rogers. From this modest beginning, came the abundant 
water supply the town now enjoys, but it required eighteen years to 
carry out the plans of the projectors. During the session of the Legis- 
lature, of 1851-52, a bill was introduced and passed, authorizing the 
borough council to borrow money to erect water works. It was 
violently opposed at home, and, at the next spring election, an anti- 
water council was elected. This, for the present, put a stop to the 
enterprise but, in the meantime, the cemetery company had given 
permission to build the basin on their grounds and considerable work 
had been done. The question of the introduction of water now lay 
dormant for many years. 

The railroad, from Philadelphia to the Lehigh, was partially com- 
pleted in the spring of 1856, and the author, on his visit home from 
New Mexico in May of that year, rode up the North Penn railroad to 
Gwynedd, and then by stage across country to Doylestown. By the 
fall, the main line was finished to the Lehigh and also the branch to 
Doylestown. Down to this time, our county capital had passed 
through the various phazes of village life, from infancy to healthy boy- 
hood, but now the old had passed away with many who had helped to 
make the town what it was, while a new generation stood ready to 
make history for themselves and the town they lived in. They, who 

2 At Doylestown, January 8, 1822, by the Rev. John C. Murphy, William 
T. Rogers, editor of the Democrat and Farmer' s Gazette, to Miss Sophia Pugh, 
daughter of John Pugh, Esq., of Doylestown. 



2i6 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

are with us now, hardly reahze, that down to 1856 all communication, 
with the outside world, was by horse and wagon in private conveyance, 
or the lumbering stage coach. 

As we stand in the middle of the nineteenth century, let us turn 
our thoughts backward for a moment, and indulge in retrospect while 
we contemplate the cross roads hamlet, as we first knew it when the 
century came in. It then consisted of a few dwellings and a couple of 
road side inns. Four years later there was a newspaper and an 
Academy, and, by the end of the decade, the Legislature had decreed 
it should be the future county capital and its fortune was assured. 
From that time, down through the decades, improvements multiplied, 
and the population increased; churches were built, social, civic and 
educational organizations effected, town lots were brought into 
market and offered for sale, some changing owners without the erection 
of buildings; nevertheless it was a sign of effort to reach out on the 
lines of improvement and indicated a disposition to break away from 
the conservative fetters of the past. 

As we quit the middle decade of the century, and draw the line 
between old and new Doylestown, we step into the sixties, and enter 
the Civil war period. It had a wonderful effect on the future of Doy- 
lestown, and, while the harvest was an evil one for the time being, the 
ultimate result was beneficial. We repeat here what we have said else- 
where, that the Civil war period stimulated everything, by making 
money plenty and cheap, and both the evil and good effect were seen 
and felt in Doylestown. At the close of the war, improvement set in; 
we may almost say it leaped forward. The first extension of the 
borough was in the direction of the southwest, by opening the Magill 
farm for building purposes; it was next extended on the east by the 
purchase of the DuBois fields, and subsequently the Riale tract on the 
northwest was taken hold of and brought into the market. These 
several tracts were laid out in building lots, streets opened through 
them and houses erected. By this time " New Doylestown " was al)le 
to speak for itself, and in a tone not to be misunderstood. A little time 
was required, to recover from the severe strain of the war, but, that 
done, our conservative interests were ready to go to work. While a 
portion of our new energy was expended in the sixties, the best of it 
was reserved for the seventies. 

The effort, to introduce water into the borough, in 1851-52, 
and which failed for want of popular sympathy, was renewed in 1867. 
In that year an amendment to the borough charter was obtained, ' ' which 




o 
z 

5 

D 
m 

O 
O 

u 
y 

CQ 
D 

Oh 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 217 

gave council power and authority to construct and maintain water 
works for the said borough," and the act also authorized the 
Town Council to borrow money not to exceed the sum of $35,000. 
The act was approved March 13. Since the first attempt to intro- 
duce water into Doylestown, the minds of the people had undergone 
a change, and an effort was made, at the spring election, 1869, to 
elect a borough council in favor of its introduction. The two tickets 
in the field were "water" and "anti-water," and, after a sharp 
contest, "water" carried the day; the following being the names of 
the new councilmen: John L. DuBois, Henry T. Darlington, W. 
W. H. Davis, George Deemer, Nathan P. Brower, Nathan C. James, 
Andrew J. Larue, Samuel Hall and Charles Rotzel. Of these, 
Brower, Larue and Deemer were new members. 

The first practical step, looking to the erection of water works, was 
taken March 20, 1869, the day the new council met to organize. 
John L. DuBois was elected president and Benjamin Hough clerk, 
and, after the organization had been effected, W. W. H. Davis offered 
the following resolution : 

Resolved, that the president appoint a committee of three to re- 
port at a special, or the next regular meeting, upon the practicability 
of introducing water into the borough; said report shall embody all 
the information obtained on the subject of supplying the town with 
water." After some discussion the resolution was adopted, where- 
upon the chair appointed the following special committee: W. W. 
H. Davis. Nathan C. James and Henry T. Darlington. The com- 
mittee was appointed March 22, at a subsequent meeting, but whether 
a special or regular, the author does not remember nor is it material, 
as the committee was instructed to proceed with its work. It was 
authorized to employ a competent engineer, the choice falling on 
William E. Morris, Philadelphia, and W. W. H. Davis was chair- 
man of the building committee. 

Active operations were begun, without any unnecessary delay, 
and pushed as rapidly as possible. The opposition, however, was 
also active and appealed to the court to stop the work ; but the water 
committee went ahead despite them, and, before an injuction could be 
obtained, the works were completed, and the water turned on in the 
fall. The cost was $32,000. When council came to put the water in 
the dwellings and places of business the men, who had so violently 
opposed its introduction, seemed almost to " tumble over each other," 
in their anxiety and haste to have it in their premises first. A num- 



2i8 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

ber of springs were opened in the meadow above the mill dam, from 
which the water was pumped into a distributing basin in the cemetery, 
and thence conveyed in iron pipes over the borough. The water was 
raised, by a steam engine, placed in the mill, one hundred and fifty- 
seven feet in the distance of three thousand and two hundred feet and 
fire plugs were planted in the streets six hundred feet apart. Since 
water was introduced, the original system has been improved and the 
facilities increased. In recent years two artesian wells were sunk and 
the water supply largely added to, made necessary by the increased 
population and consumption. The enterprise was every way success- 
ful, and pays eight or ten per cent, on the investment. 

As we turn out of old Doylestown, into the new, it seems a fit- 
ting opportunity to say something about the population of our county's 
capital down through the century and of which but little has yet been 
said. 

The population of Doylestown was first taken by the census of 
1840, two years after the borough was organized and twenty-seven 
after being made the county seat. Prior to 1840, we have to rely 
largely on tradition and heresay, never entirely reliable when dealing 
with figures. Going back to 1820, eighteen years prior to its organ- 
ization as a borough, we are told the population was three hundred 
and sixty, and that it had grown to five hundred by 1829, an increase 
of one hundred and forty in nine years, but we have no evidence of 
its accuracy. In some periods of the same length, with a greater 
population to begin with, the increase under the census enumeration 
was not near so great. The Bucks County Intelligencer, of August 
30, 1830, says of the population: The census have just been taken, 
and there are about eight hundred inhabitants within its limits. 
Several good houses are being built, two of which are of brick, being 
the first houses built of that kind of material in the place. The 
bricks are from the kiln of Dr. Charles Meredith within a few rods of 
the court house. 

The census, taken of the village, must have been a very elastic 
one to give an increase of from five hundred to eight hundred in a 
single year. The enumerater would not be likely to make the 
population any less than it was, especially as the village had no 
"butts and bounds." On the authority of Wm. Buck, whom I 
esteem to be accurate in such matters, the number of dwellings in 
Doylestown, in 1832, was one hundred and two, and two hundred 
and seventy-nine in i860. On the ordinary basis this would give five 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 219 

hundred and ten population for the former and thirteen hundred 
and ninety-five for the latter. The fact that the United States census, 
of 1840, gives Doylestown a population of but nine hundred and six- 
teen, the jump of three hundred from 1829 to 1830, was unreason- 
able and there were no conditions to warrant it. At the census, 
of 1840, there were four hundred and eight white males, four 
hundred and forty- one white females and forty-seven colored. 

The late Thomas Brunner, Bridge Point, now Edison, told the 
author, that himself and the late Samuel Kachline counted the dwel- 
lings in Doylestown in 1821, and they numbered twenty-nine, includ- 
ing the Academy, in which a family lived. This would give the vil- 
lage a population of one hundred and forty-five at that time. We 
believe there is a mistake somewhere. There was some little increase 
each year, but it was not until in the thirties that the new county cap- 
ital made solid advance in population. In one of the January issues 
of the Intelligencer, 1833, that paper says of Doylestown: 

" The village now enumerates about one hundred and two dwel- 
ling houses of all sizes, which shows an average increase of nearly two 
houses annually since 1778, among which are seven houses for public 
entertainment." It would be an interesting fact to know how many 
dwellings were in Doylestown, in 1778, to begin the count on. In 
1835 the borough and township had four hundred and seventy tax- 
ables, and, in 1842, the borough, alone, had two hundred and six tax- 
ables. By the census of 1850, there were nine hundred and seventy- 
four white and thirty-two colored, one thousand and six in all, the 
last of old Doylestown, the next, i860, the first of new Doylestown. 
Drawing the line at 1856, the connecting of Doylestown with the out- 
side world by rail, it is reasonable to base the increase in the previous 
decade to give it one half the increase from 1850 to i860, four hundred 
and sixteen; one half being two hundred and eight which, added to 
that of 1850, would make the population twelve hundred and fourteen 
in 1856, when old Doylestown retires and new Doylestown comes to 
the front. The population, in i860, was fourteen hundred and sixteen, 
1870, one thousand six hundred and one, of which one hundred and 
thirty-nine were of foreign birth, in 1880, two thousand and seventy, 
1890, two thousand five hundred and nineteen, and, in 1900, three 
thousand and thirty-four. These latter figures show an increase of 
two thousand and twenty-eight in population over 1850, and of two 
thousand one hundred and eighteen over the census of 1840. From 
1840 to 1850, the increase in the population of Doylestown was but 



220 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

ninety, evidence the town needed something to give it a boom. The 
census returns do not show the entire population of the borough, for 
there are nearly five hundred persons living contiguous on the southwest, 
only separated by a street from the incorporated district. They enjoy 
some of our borough privileges, gas, electricity and water, but vote in 
the township. Practically the population of Doylestown is about three 
thousand and five hundred. 

Among the strangers who came to Doylestown in the early 
fifties, were the Lawsons and Bazelys, two English families; both 
boarding at the Fountain House, but not at the same time. The Law- 
sons came first, about 1850, and had left before the Bazelys came. 
The family consisted of wife, daughter and two sons. The sons soon 
engaged in business, in Philadelphia, the others remaining. The 
daughter, Caroline, called "Caddy" for short, was a pretty, sprightly 
girl and a fine horsewoman. About the same time there came here 
from Philadelphia, a young man named William R. Brown, probably 
sent to sow his wild oats in the fertile ^oil of Bucks county. He also 
took board at the Fountain House. The young people naturally fell 
in love which resulted in marriage. In 1855, Brown built a dwelling 
about two miles from Doylestown, in Warrington township, in which 
himself and wife lived for a time, but it wrecked his fortune and they 
finally separated. He returned to Philadelphia, and the Lawsons re- 
moved to Norristown where father, mother and daughter died. The 
house that Brown built and was ruined by, and subsequently given the 
name of *' Brown's Folly," is still standing and belongs to Mrs. 
Helen Larzelere. It is used as a summer boarding house, and has a 
little history of its own. The architect was Joseph D. Keacker, 
Philadelphia, and the plans and specifications were drawn in 1855. 
In 1895, they turned up among some papers of Edward Larkin, who 
died about 1899, and he sent them to the ofiice of the Philadelphia- 
Wilmington and Baltimore R. R. Co., Wilmington, Del. Mr. 
Larkin was the engineer of the Susquehanna river bridge, Havre de 
Grace, where he died. In 1895, these papers were sent by Ralph 
Goodwin, assistant engineer, P. W. & B. R. R. Co. to postmaster 
Purdy, Doylestown, who presented them to the author. When the 
Civil War broke out, William R, Brown entered the army and reached 
the rank of captain. He was mustering officer at Philadelphia, 1864, 
and mustered out the 104th regiment, and then and there the author 
met him for the last time. 

The Bazely family, mentioned in a previous page, came to Doy- 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 221 

lestown about 1852-53, John Bazely, the father, being an excellent 
type of an intelligent Englishman. The family consisted of the wife, 
and three children, Edward, Eliza and Harriet. They had previously 
lived at New Orleans, thence came to West Chester, boarding at the 
hotel where Judge Chapman stopped while holding court there. 
Upon Mr. Bazely inquiring of him for a pleasant place in the country 
to make their home, he recommended Doylestown. They came forth- 
with, and took board at what is now the Fountain House. They lived 
here some five years. The parents were cultivated people and the 
children young. Subsequently the family all died except the daugh- 
ter, Eliza, who grew up to be a lovely women and now makes her 
home in Philadelphia. The son went into business, married and left 
children. The brother of John Bazely, the father, was Sir Thomas 
Bazely, the most extensive cotton spinner at Manchester, England, at 
that period, and a man of great wealth. Our Mr. Bazely was well in- 
formed on all public questions of that day, the tarriff being his especial 
hobby. He was a red hot free-trader, for an Englishman, and we 
listened many an hour to his discussion of the subject. 

In 1859, or thereabouts, Jacob Hill came to Doylestown from 
Norristown and went into business here, renting what is now the Leh- 
man house, at the northeast corner of East State street and Printers' 
alley. His family consisted of a single member, an unmarried 
daughter, Octavia C. Hill, who was a poetess of decided merit, and 
wrote under the nom de plume of " Annot Lyle." While the 104th 
regiment was being recruited and organized, several inspiring pieces 
in verse from her pen appeared in our newspapers, and, on its return 
from the field, her " Welcome Home " was not only appropriate, but 
much admired. Mr. Hill died here. His daughter married a Mr. 
Fahnstock, of Gettysburg, 1S71, and died there in 1873, under very 
distressing circumstances. 

In the early fifties, the period we have been writing about, the 
author was also a boarder at the Fountain House, and enjoyed the 
society of the two English families we have spoken of. They were 
agreeable people. About that time "table turning," some sort of 
necromancy with which electricity and galvanism had to do, made its 
appearance here. It was done by four persons sitting down to a 
small square table, and crossing hands on the top of it. When the 
chain of hands was thus completed, the table would slowly move 
round. On one occasion the author sat down, with three children at 
a small stand; presently the stand slowly moved round and when the 



222 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

current was broken it stopped. We then put several books on the 
top of the stand, renewed the current by crossing hands, and the table 
slowly moved. A good sized boy was next put on the stand, the 
current renewed and with the same result, the table or stand slowly 
turning round. This was practiced in many houses and became quite a 
fad. We hardly expect any one to believe it in this practical age, 
nor do we attempt to explain its "why's" and "wherefores," never- 
theless we vouch for the truth of what we have written. Some old 
people will doubtless recall it. 

We are now on the point of closing the happenings of the middle 
decade of the last century. On Washington's birthday night, Febru- 
ary 22, 1859, the Doylestown Guards, the representative of the 
martial spirit of the county capital, gave a " Military and Citizen's 
Dress Ball." It took place at their Armory, in Clemens' Hall. 
There was a large attendance of the sons and daughters of old Bucks, 
and the affair was a great success. 

"And bright lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men, 

A thousand hearts beat happily; and when 
Music arose with its vohiptuous swell, 

Soft eyes look'd love to eyes which spake again, 
And all went merry as a marriage bell." 



XXIV 
Doylestown in the Civil War. 

Doylestown was as faithful to duty, in the great war for the Union, 
as it had been in previous wars, her sons being among the first in the 
state to enroll, and the very first in the county. News, of the firing 
on Sumter, reached Doylestown, Saturday, April 13, 1861, and, on 
Monday morning, before it was known the President had issued a call 
for troops. Captain Davis, of the Doylestown Guards, called a meet- 
ing of the company under the following notice; 

" The members of the Doylestown Guards, and all other patriotic 
men, in favor of maintaining the honor of the Star Spangled Banner and 
the stability of the United States Government, are requested to meet in 
Clemens' Hall, on Thursday evening at eight o'clock, to take such 
measures as may be deemed necessary, in view of the critical condition 
of the country. ' ' ' 

April 15, 1861. (Signed) W. W. H. Davis, Captain. 

On consulation with others, however, the time and place of holding 
the meeting was changed to^ the Court House, on Monday evening 
the 15th. In the meantime, the services of the company were offered 

I Of the eighty officers and men, composing the company at the time it 
entered the service, before the war was over more than one half of the whole 
number bore commissions in the great armies of the United States. Two 
reached the rank of Brigadier-General by brevet, four were Colonels, one fall- 
ing at the head of his regiment at Antietam, one Lieutenant-Colonel, four Maj- 
ors, sixteen Captains, nine Lieutenants and two Surgeons; nearly all of them 
reaching their grade through regular promotion. 

223 



224 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

to Governor Curtin and accepted, and directed to "await orders." ' 
These events made the borough aglow with excitement. 

The meeting at the Court House was large and enthusiastic, the 
Honorable Henry Chapman presiding. On taking the chair, he made 
a patriotic address, and was followed by George Lear, Esq., Colonel 
John Blair, Nathan C. James and Enos Prizer. Captain Davis now 
arose with an enlistment roll in his hand, with his own name at the 
top, and called for recruits. The first person, to step forward and 
sign the roll, was William Kachline, of Doylestovvn, and it was 
almost filled before the meeting adjourned, men and women joining 
hands in fitting out the company for active service, while the captain 
drilled it day and night, and other-wise prepared it for the field. It 
received marching orders on the 26th, leaving the next morning, reach- 
ing Harrisburg that evening, where it was mustered into service. The 
company was now ordered to York, Pa. , and thence to Washington 
in charge of the guns of the Ringgold battery, being the first body of 
armed men to pass through Baltimore — after the riot of the 19th 
of April. The company remained in Washington until June 25, 
when it marched with a battalion of the regiment, the 25th Penn- 
sylvania, to join Colonel Stone's command near Edward's Ferry, 
opposite Leesburg, Va. The column marched up the left bank of 
the Potomac to Williamsport, where it forded the river and joined 
Patterson's army at Martinsburg. The Guards took part in the 
campaign in the Shenandoah Valley until its time was about to expire, 
when, with other troops, the company was sent to Harrisburg, must- 
ered out and discharged, reaching Doylestovvn, July 29. 

Through the brief campaign, the Doylestovvn Guards enjoyed 
the reputation of being one of the best drilled and disciplined com- 
panies in Patterson's army. A veteran officer, of the regular army, 
told the writer he had never seen a company superior to it in all his 
service. This is "a feather in the cap" of the first company, from 
Bucks county, to enter the military service in the war for the Union. 

The following was the roll, of the Doylestovvn Guards, when the 
company left for Washington the morning of April 29, 1861, as printed 
in the newspapers of the next day : 

2 The following was the dispatch of Governor Cintin's acceptance of the 
Doylestovvn Guards : 

Harrisburg, April 18. 1861. 
To Major W. W. H. Davis : 

\'oiir company is accepted, and will await orders. 

(Signed) R. C. Hall. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 



225 



CAPTAIN, 
VV. W. H. Davis. 

First Lieutenant, Jacob Svvartzlander. 
Second Lieutenant, George T. Harvey. 



Drummer, John Hargrave. 



Fifer, William K. Shearer. 



Henry A. Widdiefield, 
Eugene Magill, 
Wm. H. Anglemeyer, 
William Walker, 
Henry W. Haney, 
George A. Everheart, 
Jacob W. Glase, 
W. Warren Marple, 
Lawrence Rush, 
Edgar Kibby, 
Washington G. Nugent, 
James M. Carver, 
Jacob Clemens, 
George Hart, 
Samuel Hart, Jr., 
Henry S. Service, 
William Berkelbach, 
Cephas W. Dyer, 
Charles W. Hoffman, 
John S. Hogeland, 
Stephen Townsend, 
Edward S. Mills, 
Jacob Fries, 
Wm. H. McDowell, 
George W. Sunderland, 
William McCarty, 
William Peters, 
William H. Jordon, 
Emanuel K. Krauthamel 
William P. Pleany, 
George W. Garner, 
William A. Shearer, 
John Barndt, 
John S. Hough, 
J. Wilson Closson. 
Eli Hoftord, 
Miles Williams, 
Andrew Enders, 
Abraham Mangle. 



During the campaign the company lost but one man, Edgar 
Kibby who died of disease; and William Augustus Green died soon 
after reaching home. 

Among the enlisted men, of the Guards, was Ira F. Gensel, 
deputy Prothonotary of the county, at the time he joined the 
Company. He was born at, or near Catawissa, Pa., but settled 







PRIVATES. 


6. 


William Kachline, 


46. 


7- 


William R. Stavely, 


47- 


8. 


Michael E. Jenks, 


48. 


9- 


Nathaniel Hubbard, 


49- 


10. 


Samuel Croasdale, 


50. 


II. 


James D. Hendrie, 


51- 


12. 


Edwin Fretz, 


52. 


13- 


Edward L. Rogers, 


53- 


14. 


Edward S. Darling, 


54- 


15- 


Juluis Kuster, 


55- 


16. 


Ira F. Gensel, 


56. 


17- 


Chris. K. Frankinlield, 


57- 


18. 


Lawrence Frankinfield, 


5^. 


19. 


Charles Frankinfield, 


59- 


20. 


Eleazer Real, 


60. 


21. 


Levi K. Markley, 


61. 


22. 


William Follis, 


62. 


23- 


Philip Hinkle, 


63- 


24. 


Wm. Augustus Green, 


64. 


25- 


Frederick Morley, 


65: 


26. 


John H. Lewis, 


66. 


27. 


Samuel C. Tussman, 


67. 


28. 


David P'irman, 


68. 


29. 


Moses 0. Kulp, 


69. 


30. 


James Reed Orem, 


70. 


31- 


Thomas Hart, 


71- 


32- 


Enos P. Tomlinson, 


72. 


33- 


Thomas F. Tomlinson, 


73- 


34- 


Lazarus C. Andress, 


74. 


35- 


A. Jackson Pierce, 


75- 


36. 


Joseph H. Harvev, 


76. 


37- 


John H. McCoy,' 


77- 


3S. 


Thomas Brunner, Jr., 


78. 


39- 


Francis L. Coar, 


79- 


40. 


Samuel N. Garron, 


80. 


41. 


Theophilus Kephart, 


81. 


42. 


George W. Emory, 


82. 


43- 


John McD. Laughlin. 


83. 


44. 


James M. Rogers, 


84. 


45- 


Henry Hargrave, 





226 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

at Carversville, Pa., this county, shortly before the war, and fol- 
lowed his trade, a shoemaker. He was next at Doylestown, work- 
ing at his trade for a time ; then got clerical employment, and 
next entered the Prothonotary's office as deputy. He was one 
of the first to join the Guards, and, when organized, was appointed 
company clerk. Soon after reaching Washington, Captain Davis 
recommended Gensel for a Lieutenant's commission in the regular 
army, and obtained it. His military career was brief, being mortally 
wounded at the battle of Frederickslnu'g, and dying December 21, 
1862. His remains were brought to Doylestown and buried in the 
cemetery. At the time of his death, Lieutenant Gensel was engaged 
to be married to a most estimable young lady of Doylestown. 

While the Guards were in the field, the families of the enlisted men, 
which were not self-supporting with its head away, were taken care of by 
a borough committee, and another composed of citizens. That of the 
borough, organized May 9, 1861, was in operation two and one-half 
months, and disbursed $205.25, but this did not include the contri- 
butions of liberal citizens. The report, made by General William T. 
Rogers, who was active in the work, shows that only seven families 
were taken care of. 

As there was no present prospect of the war coming to a close, 
Captain Davis took immediate steps to raise and organize a regiment 
of Infantry, to be placed in a camp of instruction near Doylestown, 
and, for this purpose, he went to Washington, August 21, and re- 
ceived the following authority from the Secretary of War: 

War Department, August 22, 1861. 
Colonel W. W. H. Davis, 

Doylestown, Pennsylvania. 

Sir : — " You are hereby authorized to raise a regiment of Infantry for the 
service of the United States, to serve for three years, or the war, to be armed, 
equipped and uniformed by the goverment. 

" Yon are also authorized to form a camp of instruction, for the drilling and 
disciplining of your regiment, at a point convenient to the railroad, near Doyles- 
town. When it sliall be necessary, the tjuartermaster and commissary, at Phila- 
delphia, upon tile ])roper requisition and exhibition of this order, will furnish 
you with tents and rations and other necessary stores and transportation for the 
same. 

" You are also authorized to raise and organize a i>attery of artillery to be 
attached to the regiment, subject to the approval of Lieutenant-General Scott. 
All necessary expenses, incurred in raising the regiment, will be paid by the 
United States, in accordance with general orders on that subject. 

[Seal] (Signed) SIMON CAIMKRON, Secretary of War." 

On Colonel Davis' return, from Washington, he made public 
announcement of his authority to raise a regiment, and called upon 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 227 

the young men of Bucks to " rally 'round the flag." The camp was 
located on the old exhibition ground, just west of the borough, and 
called "Camp Lacey," after General John Lacey, Bucks covmty's 
hero in the Revolution; requisitions were made for the necessary 
equippage and supplies, and tents pitched. Recruiting was so actively 
pushed that four hundred men were enrolled in ten days, and the 
first company mustered in September 6, in Clemens" Hall. This 
was known as the " Young Guard." and commanded by Captain 
Edward L. Rogers. By September 24, six hundred men were pres- 
ent, and, by the end of the month the whole ten companies were en- 
rolled and mustered in. The camp was a model of neatness; the tents 
were floored and each company had a small frame kitchen. The men 
were fully armed and equipped by October i, and their moral rapidly 
increased under the strict discipline enforced. When the regiment 
was full and ready for organization, Captain John W. Nields, of the 
First Pennsylvania Reserves, was nppointed Lieutenat-Colonel, John 
M. Gries, Philadelphia, Major, Thompson D. Hart, Adjutant, and the 
Re\^ William R. Gries, rector of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal 
church, Doylestown, Chaplain. The band, of twenty-one pieces, came 
from Emaus, Lehigh county. The organization of the battery was 
turned over to Captain Durell, of Reading, an experienced artillery 
officer, and was detached from the regiment on reaching Washing- 
ton. He commanded it the whole term of service, three years and 
ten months, and made a fine record. 

While the regiment lay at Camp Lacey it made two excursions, 
the first to attend a union meeting, at Danboro, October 5, held in a 
woods nearby, the second to Hartsville on the 17th, where the ladies 
prepared a festival. On this occasion, the regiment appeared in all 
the "pomp, pride and circumstance of war," attracted great at- 
tention, and the officers and men received an ovation from the people 
of that patriotic community. While at the camp of instruction, the 
regiment was presented with two flags, the national and state, the 
former by the ladies, the latter by order of the Legi.slature. The pre- 
sentation of both took place in camp, the first on October 21, the 
Rev. Jacob Belville representing the fair donors, the second, on the 
31st, Governor Curtin appearing for the Commonwealth. Colonel 
Davis, on each occasion, received the flag for the regiment. The 
attendance was very large. In addition to these ceremonies, several 
officers had their maiden swords presented to them by friends, the 
ceremony taking place in the court house. Among these little affairs, 



228 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

the former members of the Doylestown Guards presented a Field 
Officer's sword to Colonel Davis, the late Edward J. Fox, Esq., of 
Easton, making an eloquent presentation speech. The number of the 
regiment, 104, was given the organization by the State authorities, 
but the name assumed was the " Ringgold Regiment," which was 
beautifully wrought in silver on the national colors. 

North Pennsylvania Railroad, 
Office of General AgENx, 

Front and Willow Streets, 
Philadelphia, November 5, 1861. 
Colonel W. W. H. Davis — Dear Sir : — A train of fifteen cars will be ready 
for your Regiment at Doylestown station to-morrow, (Wednesday) morning. 
This allowing seventy-five men to a car, the usual number that we have carried 
on this road when moving large quantities, will carr^^ your men, say one thous- 
and and fifty. It is understood that you will be read}' to move at eight a. m., 
for which hour our arrangements on the line of the road have been made. 

It would be desirable, in order to expedite your transit through the city, that 
the stores and freight cars should precede the men, as they are to be hauled to 
Broad and Pine streets over the city track, upon which detentions often occur, that 
might interfere with your departure from the city, if we were allowed but a short 
time for their delivery. Either this evening's train or Wednesday morning train 
can take them if ready. 

Very respectfully, 

(Signed) ELLIS CLARK, General Agent. 

The regiment left camp the morning of November 6, reaching 
Washington the next afternoon, going into camp on an elevated 
spot back of Georgetown, overlooking the capital, and called "Mere- 
dianHill. " It bivouacked in the open air, and the weather was so 
severe water frose in the canteens. The strength of the regiment, 
when it left Doylestown, was nine hundred, rank and file and the 
battery one hundred and fifty. The total casualties, during its service 
was five hundred and one. Of these, one hundred and six wounded 
returned to duty; fourteen officers were killed or wounded, and one 
hundred and forty-five men were discharged for disability. The 
heaviest loss, in a single action, was at Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862, 
whereof two hundred and ninety-three officers and men on the field, 
the loss, killed and wounded, was fifty per cent. 

The survivors of the regiment, except the re-enlisted veterens, 
conscripts and substitutes recently joined, left Washington for Phila- 
delphia September 23, 1864, and cjuartered over Sunday at the 
volunteer refreshment saloon. On Tuesday afternoon the city authori- 
ties gave the regiment a formal reception and escort through the 
principal streets. On Saturday they were mustered out and dis- 
charged, and that evening returned to Doylestown, where a befitting 




LIEUT. E. s. Mcdowell, 

Killed at Fair Oaks. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 229 

reception awaited them. Through the influence of the ladies, a ban- 
quet was prepared in the court room, where their welcome home took 
place, Richard Watson, Esq., 3 making the address. He opened 
his remarks by saying: 

"Colonel Davis, officers and men of the 104th. On behalf of 
the committee, and those they represent, I bid you welcome home 
again. 

' ' Three years ago this court house was the scene of the presen- 
tation of swords to several of your officers. They were conferred with 
the hope they might be worn with credit and honor, and the recip- 
ients promised the confidence of the donors should not be betrayed. 

" Three years ago, on your old camp ground near by, your colors 
were given you. The one on behalf of the State by the Governor; 
the other, on behalf of the ladies of the county, by an elequent Divine 
whose heart was in the cause. They were given you, in confidence 
they would be borne wherever duty called you, and would be 
protected from every insult and danger, and that they would be re- 
turned unsullied by cowardice or shame. You promised to fullfil this 
trust. The hopes then expressed have been realized ; the promises 
then made have been performed. 

" You bring back these flags, pierced by ball and by shells, faded 
and torn by the wind, the sun and the rain, but on them are inscribed 
the names of the battle fields on which you have fought, and they are 
far more valuable now, thus faded and torn, than when presented to 
you glittering and new. 

i(i >i< -[^ 5^ >fC ^ ^ ^ ^ 

"Your friends at home have eagerly watched your career; they 
have traced your marches, rejoiced over your successes, and mourned 
over your afflictions. They have heard with pride of your deeds of 
valor, and have had no reason to reproach you for disgrace. 

;i< >1< ^ ^ ;•< ;■; :4^ :-c ^ >(c 

' ' Again I bid you welcome home, and ask you to accept the 
hospitalities of to-night, as a slight token of our regard for you and for 
your deeds." 

In reply to Judge Watson's welcome home Col. Davis, said in 
part: 

3 The Rev. Dr. Andrews had been appointed to make the address, but 
was suddenly called from home. 



230 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

"It is no new thing for soldiers returning from battle to be re- 
ceived with honors. It has been the custom for all nations and in all 
ages, when their armies returned to their homes to be welcomed with 
delight and pleasure. A sentiment of gratitude, alone, would dictate 
such reception, but to-night there is a stronger emotion that moves 
this assemblage to welcome home the defenders of their country ; it 
is not that you would honor those who have returned, but you thus 
show your thankfulness that they ha\e returned at all in life and health. 

" I need not speak to you, my friends, of the history of the 104th, 
your own regiment, which you have watched with such deep interest 
for three years, for its deeds have been written in blood. You do 
well to honor it. 

^ 'i^ •'^ ^ ^^* 

Soldiers never faught in a better cause than that which called 
these men to the field. The rebellion, against the constituted authorities 
of the country, was both wicked and causeless. No man, in his right 
mind, would consent to a division of the Union; it would leave us a 
legacy of perpetual warfare to bequeath to our children, and our 
children's children. 

"To you, my soldiers, is due the award of praise. Your cour- 
age, constancy and forbearance, amid all the vicissitudes of three 
years service, make you worthy soldiers of the Republic. The swamps 
of the Chickahominy, nor the trenches before Charleston interposed 
hardships your patriotism did not enable you to endure, and endure 
cheerfully; the battlefield had no terrors your courage did not meet 
and subdue. While you rejoice in your own happy return home, do 
not forget your comrades who fill a soldier's grave, nor fail to drop 
the tear of affection to their memory. The ashes of the brave smell 
sweet and blossom in the tomb! 



" Farewell ofificers and soldiers! May the Almighty guide and 
direct you in all your ways, and make your future life as prosperous 
as the past has been glorious." 

After the returning veterans had partaken of the feast the hand of 
affection had prepared, and exchanged congratulations with those 
from whom they had I)een so long separated, hosts and guests bade 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 231 

each other farewell, many carrying with them the following beautiful 
words of Annot Lyle: 

" And there are breaking liearts here in the crowd, 
And bitter thoughts around the banners cling, 

And sighs you hear not in the cheering loud, 

And aching smiles that passing leave a sting." 

There was one thing about the organization of the 104th regiment 
that was unusual, in that Colonel Davis was the mustering officer of 
both himself and command. This was by the grace of his old friend 
General Cameron, then Secretary of War. He was instructed to apply 
for his own muster to the mustering ofificer at Philadelphia, Major 
Ruf?, when his men were ready, and then muster his regiment. 
When the Colonel called on Major Ruff, he declined to recognize the 
Secretary's authority, whereupon the Colonel sent him to '' thunder," 
saying he would go home, muster himself and then muster his regi- 
ment, and that it would "hold water." This he did despite the fact that 
it was very much oH color, and it held water all the same. The case was 
not reached at the Adjutant General's office until 1863, when some 
correspondence took place, but the muster was recognized, and nothing 
more heard of it. It was a very unique proceeding. 

No regiment, in the great war fur the Union, did better service 
than the 104th, or made a more creditable record. The first year it 
served in the Army of the Potomac, taking part in the memorable 
campaign on the Peninsula. It led the P'ourth corps from Yorktown 
to Harrison's Landing, bearing its full part in all that trying ordeal. 
It tired the first volley in front of Richmond, at the bloody battle of 
Fair Oaks, losing fifty per cent, of its men, in killed and wounded, of 
those engaged. It also participated in the "Seven Days' Battles." 
Going South, in the fall of 1862, the regiment saw the rest of its 
service in North and South Carolina and Florida, taking part in the 
long and arduous operations against the defences before Charleston. 
It afterward saw brief service in Virginia, on its way North to be must- 
ered out, on the expiration of its term of enlistment. 

When the regiment entered service its commander had other 
thoughts for the future, besides making his men good soldiers, one, 
the writing its history, the other, the erection of a monument to the 
memory of its dead; and both desires were long since carried out. 
The regimental history was written on. Morris' Island, S. C. , during 
the seige of Charleston, within sound of the enemy's guns, while the 
monument was manufactured in the fall of 1867, and erected the follow- 



332 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

ing spring at Doylestown. The important consideration, in the case 
of the monument, was the means wherewith to build it, but that was 
happily overcome. During the seige operations on Morris' Island the 
savings, from the regimental bakery, reached the generous sum of 
$2,000, but it could not be touched for this, or any other purpose, 
without consent of the Secretary of War and the enlisted men. I first 
approached the War Secretary with the query, whether the regimental 
Council of Admistration could appropriate $1,600 for a monument 
fund with the consent of the enlisted men, and, as the reader will see 
from the foot note below, ready assent was given. •> Subsequent to this 
the men authorized the appropriation to be made and the money was 
placed in the Colonel's hands. This was the nest egg, which private 
subscriptions, a donation from Company E, and interest on the in- 
vestment increased to about $3,000 in the next four years. The per- 
sonal subscriptions were from one dollar up, the two largest being by 
General Henry M. Naglee, California, and J. Gillingham Fell, Phila- 
delphia, one hundred dollars each. 

In looking for a place, on which to erect the monument, the 
central plot, in the Doylestown cemetery, seeming the most desirable 
Col. Davis addressed a letter to the company, through its president, 
the late Rev. Silas M. Andrews, D. D., on January 30, 1867, on the 
subject, as follows: 

Dear Sir : — I have in my hands nearly I3, 000, to be applied to buildinj;^ a 
monument, at Doylestown, to the memory of the officers and men of the 104th 
Pa. regiment who fell in the rebellion. The money was mainly the gift of the 
enlisted men, and I hold it as their trustee for this purpose only. It is contem- 
plated to erect the monument the coming summer, and I desire to secure as 
eligible a location as practicable. With permission of the cemetery company, 
I would like to erect it on the central plot of the cemetery grounds at the head 
of the main avenue, and now unimproved. It would not occupy the entire 
plot, but should be placed in the centre. The monument will be built of white 
marble or granite, and will have a handsome iron railing around it. It is not 



4 War Department, Adjutant General's Office, \ 

Washington, April 9, 1864. j 
Colonel W. W. H. Davis, /o^th Pa. Volunteers Commanding Post at Morris 
Island, S. C : 

Sir: — I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of 
the twenty-fifth inst., desiring to know whether a regimental fund may be used 
for the erection of a monument to the memory of the deceased members of the 
regiment, the enlisted men consenting to the appropriation. In reply 1 am 
directed to say that there appears to be no objection to such appropriation on 
the condition named. 

I am very respectfully, You Obedient Servant, 

(Signed) E. D. TOWNSEND, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 233 

proposed to bury any of our dead under, or about it, as we already have a lot 
in your grounds for this purpose, given by the generosity of your company. 

I need not observe that a structure of this kind will be an ornament to the 
cemetery grounds, and add greatly to their beauty. I am persuaded that it is 
only necessary to make a request for so patriotic a purpose to have it granted. 
An early reply is requested. 

'S'ours respectfully, 
(Signed) W. W. H. DAVIS, Late Colonel, 104th Pa. Regiment. 

The records, of the Cemetery Company, show that the above 
letter of January 30, was not considered until May 23, when the re- 
quest was unanimously granted, and Colonel Davis was notified on 
the 24th. In the meantime, however, the long delay having satisfied 
him, the proposition was not favorably received, he had secured the 
eligible site on which the monument stands, in the heart of the borough. 

A contract was made with Struthers & Son, Philadelphia, for 
building the monument, July 17, 1867, the price to be $2,500, includ- 
ing the material, delivering the monument on the ground and putting 
it up. The specifications called for "white American marble, sound 
and free from l^avv or other defect." The work on the monument 
was completed the same fall, but the weather was too cold and stormy 
to erect it before spring. The foundation was laid by home workmen 
in April 1868, in the most substantial manner, cement being used 
several feet under ground. 

The shaft was set, as early in May, as the foundation was ready for 
it, Saturday, the 30th, being fixed for the dedication ceremonies. 
The day was fine and attendance large. Several hundred military 
were present from Philadelphia, with fine music, and a number of dis- 
tinguished gentlemen in civil and military life. The procession was 
formed on State street, right resting on Main, and the line of march, 
directed by Chief Marshall Andrew Craven and his assistants, Benjamin 
Hough and William DeBree, was as follows: Up Main to Broad, 
Broad to Court, Court to Church, Church to State, State to Broad, 
Broad to Court and down Court to the monument, the bands playing 
delightful music on the march. 

The exercises, at the stand, consisted of music, prayer by ex- 
Chaplain, Wm. R. Gries, of the 104th regiment; an ode, by George 
Lear, Esq. ; music, address by Brevet Major-General Wm. H. Emory, 
U. S. A. ; an appropriate dirge, by Miss Octavia Hill, sung by the 
choir, and closed with a benediction. The ode and dirge we in- 
sert in full, as we esteem them worthy of it; both written for the 
occasion: 



234 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

ODE. 

They have fallen, they have fallen, 

Where the battle tempest roared; 
Where the blaze of strife was gleaming 

On each bayonet and sword. 
They went down beneath the surging 

Of the tide of men and steeds, 
And we raise this mausoleum, 

To commemorate their deeds. 

They have fallen, they have fallen, 

In the battles of the free, 
And their fame will be remembered 

In the ages yet to be; 
And upon this shaft of marble. 

Reared by comrades in the fray, 
Stands the record of their valor. 

Where it shall remain for aye. 

They have fallen, they have fallen, 

In a high and holy cause, 
Fighting for our starry banner. 

For our country and its laws; 
For the glorious gift of freedom, 

For the land our fathers loved, 
F"or the Right, which, 'spite of sceptres, 

Man proclaimed and God approved. 

They have fallen, they have fallen, 

In the fierceness of the strife, 
Leaving us to bear the battle, 

And the burden of this life. 
While their disembodied spirits. 

Wing their way to realms above. 
Where they sing their songs of triumph. 

Round the great white throne of love. 



DIRGE. 
Let them rest, the fight is over, 

And the vict'ry bravely won. 
Softly wrap their banner 'round them. 
Lay them low, their work is done. 
Rest in peace ! 
Rest in Peace ! 
Rest in peace — the fight is over. 
And the vict'ry all is won. 

Nevermore the roar of battle 

E'er shall break our comrade's sleep- 
Safe the rest they've won, and o'er it 
Angel-sentries guardiance keep. 
Nevermore ! 
Nevermore ! 
Nevermore shall foe surprise them, 
For the angels guardiance keep. 



5 On May 30, 1898, when General Thomas J. Stewart delivered the Decora- 
tion Day address at Doylestown, he quoted the whole of this beautiful dirge be- 
cause of its appropriateness to such occasion. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 235 

Many a flower this laughing May-time 

In a hero's heart hath root — 
Sweet thy shnnber 'neath the blossonas, 
Till their deeds have borne the fruit. 
Slumber on ! 
Slumber on ! 
Slumber on beneath the blossoms, 

Till your deeds have borne the fruit. 

Let the flags float out above them; 

Let the music fill the air; 
In the hearts of those who love them 
It shall echo like a prayer. 
Free the flags ! 
Free the flags ! 
That the stars they died defending 
Still may shine upon them there. 

Leave we, now, our martyr-brothers. 

All to God and mem'ry then. 

Till within the Great Hereafter 

Freedom's armies rise again. 

So, Farewell ! 

Ah, Farewell ! 

Till within the Great Hereafter, 

Peace proclaimed, we meet again. 

General Emory, the orator, of the day, under whom the regi- 
ment had served, paid it an high comphment, and, in opening his ad- 
dress, took occasion to say: 

" The generous impulse, which suggested the erection of this 
structure, and the wise foresight and care which provided the means 
of doing it, cannot be too much commended. But, there is a monu- 
ment still more enduring than the marble shaft around which we are 
assembled, to be found in the record of the regiment written by its 
chief. For truth, impartiality and clearness, it is altogether the 
most praiseworthy that has come under my notice, and had all the 
regiments, of our grand army, adopted the same idea and carried it 
out, what a complete record we should have had of the rebellion; a 
record from which the future historian could have collected the ma- 
terials to write a true history of the war, and never failing and truth- 
ful guide would have been furnished for the Legislators and account- 
ing officers of the Goverment, in adjusting the complicated and deli- 
cate questions of bounty, pension, and unclaimed pay. You are all 
doubtless so familiar with this history as to render it unnecessary for 
me to do more than glance at the principle incidents in the history of 
this regiment, some of which have fallen under my own observation." 

The occasion was one of great interest to Doylestown, and all who 
participated. Many letters of regret, at not being able to be present, 



236 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

were received from distinguLhed civil and military gentlemen. The 
cannons were placed at the four corners of the base of the monument 
shortly after it was erected, and were the gift of the Hon. C. N. Tay- 
lor, our Representative in Congress, who got them of the War Depart- 
ment, and had them painted and shipped to Doylestown free of ex- 
pense. 

In addition to the commands and individuals, already named as 
entering the military service in defence of the union, from Doylestown, 
others deserve mention. Among these we recall General B. F. Fisher, 
who began his military career as first Lieutenant of Company H, Third 
Pa. Reserves, and, at its close, was Chief Signal Ofificer; Colonel Sam- 
uel C. Croasdale, 128th regiment, who fell at Antietam; Colonel James 
Gilkeson, 45th, a short term regiment. Captain George Hart, of an 
emergency regiment. Captain Christian Frankenfield, and Major 
Cephas Dyer, also 128th regiment, James S. Mann, captain of a com- 
pany of cavelry, short term, and Richard Watson, private in emerg- 
ency company. In addition a number enlisted in companies, whose 
names cannot be recalled. Fisher, Croasdale, Hart, Watson and 
Gilkeson were members of the bar. 

We recall another, born in the immediate vicinity of Doyles- 
town, who made his mark in the Civil War. This was General 
George B. Cadwallader, son of Dr. Peter and Hannah Magill Cad- 
wallader, born October 20, 1830. He received his early education at 
the Union Academy, Doylestown while Silas H. Thompson was in 
charge, and, 1844, the family removed to Danville, Pa. The break- 
ing out of the war found him engaged in the drug business, whence 
he enlisted in the 8th Pennsylvania Volunteers in which he served 
three months, when he was commissioned First Lieutentant in the 
46th regiment, July 8, 1862, and appointed Assistant Quartermaster, 
army of the Potomac. He was ordered west, 1864, and accompanied 
Sherman in his march from Atlanta to the sea, in charge of the 
transportation of supplies. By Sherman's order he removed the 
obstructions from the mouth of the Savannah river, for which he re- 
ceived the Brevet rank of Brigadier-General. General Cadwallader 
lives at Sunbury. 

The Civil war made its indellible impress on Doylestown, as on 
every other community, North and South. They were never the 
same afterward; it was a change from the Old to the New, view it from 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 237 

a national, state, business, political or social stand point. It drew lines 
as lasting as if drawn by the graver's tool. 

Recurring to the collapse of the Beek Exhibition, 1855, ten years 
had passed before a similiar enterprise was attempted at Doylestown. 
This was in 1865, when a few farmers and others, interested in agri- 
culture, caused a company to be incorporated under the name and 
litde of the " Doylestown Agricultural and Mechanics' Institute." 
They purchased the Beek property and held an exhibition that fall 
under canvas, October 3, 4 and 5, which proved a success. It was 
largely attended, and the premiums amounted to $1,500. The presi- 
dent was Isaiah Michener, recording secretary, N. P. Brower and, 
corresponding secretary, James Lambert. Encouraged by the success- 
ful outcome of the new venture, the interested parties erected a hand- 
some and convenient brick structure, the following year, in the shape 
of a cross, ninety-six feet each way, for the main exhibition building and 
made other improvements. The trotting track was half a mile round. 
The patronage increased from year to year until the exhibition became 
one of the most prosperous in the state. The attendance was very 
large for the first five years, being estimated at 40,000, and the display 
of farm and domestic products extensive and valuable. For several 
years people began coming into town to attend the exhibition very 
early in the morning, the streets being lined with vehicles before sun- 
rise, while all the trains arrived crowded with passengers. The 
company paid a dividend on the stock for several years, and many 
thousands of dollars were awarded in premiums. The attendance 
gradually fell off in later years, the general public finding new, and 
more attractive resorts for a fall outing, and age and death among 
the officers reducing the efficiency of the management, the company 
wound up its affairs in the early nineties, after being in operation 
twenty-five years. It paid its debts and left a small dividend for the 
stockholders. In 1871, five years after the Society began business, 
the estimated value of its real estate was $35,573.17, and, for the 
same years, the receipts were $12,521.74, and expenditures ^13,559.39. 
During the annual exhibition, Doylestown may be said to have been 
en boom, and it was a field day for several branches of local business. 
The real estate was sold to Robert Steel, of Philadelphia, who bought 
adjoining ground and established a stock farm on it and made 
extensive miprovements. 

Six years after the Agricultural and Mechanics' Institute was 
opened, a kindred society came into existence, the " Doylestown 



238 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Farmers' Club," but in no sense a rival. It was organized in James 
Gilkyson's office, North Main street opposite the Fountain House, 
January 2, 1871, when Thomas W. Trego was elected president, and 
Benjamin Cadwallader, secretary and treasurer. The general purpose, 
of this organization, was to stimulate farmers in the prosecution of this 
honorable calling. There were thirty-one members in all. In 1873, 
they met, occasionally, in the " Watson building," now the residence 
of the family of the late Judge Watson, west side of North Main street 
opposite the Court house grounds. At that time Davis E. Brower 
was secretary and treasurer. The Society also met at times in Lenape 
Building, not having any fixed place of meeting. Various questions 
were discussed in which farmers were interested, and papers read on 
kindred subjects. The last meeting was held in Lenape Building, 
March 15, 1876, with but three members present, Thomas W. Trego, 
the president. Dr. A. M. Dickey and Davis E. Brower. After dis- 
cussing the subject of " Fertilizers," in an informal way, the club ad- 
journed, subject to the call of the president, a call that was never made. 
The balance of funds, in the hands of the treasurer, was $11.31. 
Since the last meeting several of the members have died. Dr. Dickey 
meeting a violent death by his horse running away. 

In 1869, two young German immigrants came to Doylestown, 
and opened a watch and clock making establishment on the northeast 
corner of Main and State streets. Their names were Louis H. Spellier 
and Abraham Yeakel. The latter, shortly went to Perkasie and 
established himself in business, the former remaining here several 
years. Spellier was an ingenious man, and, while occupying what 
was Joseph Harvey's front parlor northeast corner of Main and State 
streets, opposite the Fountain House, he invented a "Time Clock," 
as he called it, run by a galvanic battery. The battery was in a closet 
in his shop from which was run a wire to Mr. Gilkyson's office clock 
next door, thus completing the connection and setting the telegraph 
time piece going. He fixed a large dial to one of his shop windows, 
on which this simple, though ingenous, clock told the time with the 
greatest accuracy. Mr. Spellier made the works in Philadelphia. 
The invention gained him considerable notoriety and attracted the 
attention of the scientists of this country and Europe. The invention 
was perfected at Doylestown, 1876, while Spellier was occupying the 
Harvey parlor but was subsequently improved. The Iconographic 
Encyclopedia, a magazine of applied Mechanics published at Leipzig, 
Germany, called this invention the "Electromagnetic escapement," 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 



239 



and said it "removed noted defects of electric clocks." In 1884, 
Spellier added to his inventions and discoveries, on this line, by 
devising means by which the electric circuit could be made and 
broken at pleasure, and, by the escape-wheel of the master clock, 
developed sufficient energy for a firm contact. Mr. Spellier' s 
ingenuity did away with the most serious evil presented in the proper 
action of the electric clock. He died at Philadelphia, August 22, 
1891, and was buried in the Doylestown Cemetery. 



loijU^totim, i^lh anb Urn. 



XXV 
Our Schools. 

In writing of our schools, some will doubtless be overlooked, their 
stay, among us, being so brief they were forgotten almost before the 
end of the generation they had served. Some of the earlier schools 
left no record behind them. As this vicinity was settled a century 
and three-quarters ago, a country school was no doubt opened at, or 
near, the cross roads as soon as there were children to send to it. Every- 
where in the country west of the Delaware, the school house closely 
followed the church, and, in some instances, preceded it. Such was 
the case at Doylestown. The earliest school here, of which we have 
any record, was kept in the Union Academy by the Rev. Uriah Du- 
Bois, and opened in June, 1804.' An advertisement appeared in 
Asher Miner's paper, of July 2 the same year, announcing that "a 
Seminary for the instruction of youth, is now opened at Doylestown, 
under the superintendence of the Rev. Uriah DuBois. " This was 
signed by Hugh Meredith. Nathl. Shewell and Josiah Y. Shaw 
"Acting Committee." The Rev. Jacob Lazelere, pastor of the 
Dutch Reformed church, of North and Southampton, was advertised 
to deliver an address in the Academy on Sunday afternoon, July 29, 
at 3.30, at which a collection was to be taken up, the amount to be 
appropriated towards "finishing the building." How much was 



I About this time a man, named McGreggor, a Scotchman, opened a 
classical and mathematical school at Bridge Point, a mile below Doylestown, the 
father teaching the dead langviages, and the daughters mathematics. It became 
quite famous, and, among the pupils, was the late Judge Chaprnaii. The Mc- 
Greggors disappeared mysteriously, and were never heard of again. 

240 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 241 

collected is not mentioned in the paper, nor does it contain any notice 
of the proceedings at the meeting. 

At the death of Mr. DuBois, 1821, the trustees employed 
Eleazar Smith,'' of Connecticut, and a graduate of Yale, to take 
charge of the Academy. He resigned, 1828, and removed to a farm 
in Warwick township, where he died, 1829. For the next five years 
the Academy was in charge of Samuel Aaron, 3 the brilliant son of a 
New Britain farmer, and Robert P. DuBois, son of the Rev. Uriah. 
They maintained the reputation Mr. DuBois the elder earned for the 
school, and the attendance was increased. 

Shortly after the removal of the county seat from Newtown to 
Doylestown, but it is impossible to give the exact date, Alfred Magill, 
father of Charles H. Magill, of our borough, opened a school 
here and kept it several years. Later he built a stone school house 
for his urchins and taught there, but how long we cannot say. The 
quaint-looking building with its gable to the street is still standing on 
the west side of South Main street below State. It has been occupied 
as a dwelling for nearly three quarters of a century, and its unique 
phiz assists to illustrate this chapter. 

In 1835, the Rev. Silas M. Andrews, recently called to the 
pastorate of the Presbyterian church, took charge of the Academy, 
with Joseph Patterson as assistant, but relinquished it at the end of 
two years, to open a classical and English school in his own 
dwelling at the northwest corner of State and Broad streets. It became a 
noted school, and Mr. Andrews kept it several years. He was 
succeeded at the Academy by John Robinson, who opened a classical 
and mathematical Institute in the building. He was a fine scholar 
and good teacher, and his reputation has survived him. He taught 
there several years. Down to this time, over forty years ago, the 
school had a high reputation, and young men and boys came to it 
from a considerable distance to be educated, but, after Mr. Robinson 
left, the institution lost its prestige and influence as an educator. From 
this time forward the schools kept in the Academy were day schools. 
A female department was opened about 1823, with a Mrs. Jones in 
charge, who was followed by Mrs. May Jarvis, 1826; Maria Mc- 
Glauphlen, 1827; Sarah M. Kuhn, 1S30 and subsequently Sarah 
Dunlap and others. 

The male teachers, who taught in the Academy as principal or 

2 While Mr. Smith was in charge of the Academy, George Murray taught 
the English department. 

3 Mr. Aaron was partially educated at the Academy, and, in icSoS, was a 
member of the senior class and delivered the Fourth of July oration. 



242 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

assistant, besides those already named, make a long roll, but their 
names cannot be recalled except those mentioned below: 

Henry Ufford, 1807; Thomas Gibson, 18 10; George Seigfried 
1814, in charge of the English Department; Mr. Kulp, 181 7; E. F. 
Griffith, 1821; Alfred Magill, 1830; Jacob Price, 1833; Nelson Phillips, 
1834; John G. Michener, i836-'37; Rev. Jacob P. Reed, Jacob F. 
Burns, George Winslow, principal of French Department, and brother 
of Daniel, 1841; Re\^ Samuel Nightingale, Stephen Phelps, 1842; 
Elias Carver, i842-'43; Lewis B. Thompson, Silas H. Thompson, 
1 844-' 46, Solomon Wright, 1846; Thomas McReynolds, William 
Stuckert, Stephen Kirk, afterward County Superintendent and died in 
California; Henry M. Hough, William Walker, Allen J. Flitcraft, 

Eugene Smith, Jonathan Fly, Stultz, killed in the Civil War, 

Hause and others, whose names are forgotten. A few of these taught 
in the public school, while it occupied the Academy. The late 
William J. Buck, an accurate historian, and pupil, estimates that 4,000 
received all, or a part of their education at the Union Academy. If a 
full list could be procured, of the pupils of this historic seat of learn- 
ing, what an interesting roll it would be. They would be found in 
every walk of life, and some of them made a mark on their generation. 

The author, a boy of twelve, was a pupil at the Academy 
1 832-' 33, but there are few survivors of that period. Among the 
scholars, we remember Franklin Taylor, son of Anthony Taylor, 
Bristol township, who spent the greater part of his life in Philadelphia, 
We had not met him since our school days, until May, 1895, a period 
of sixty-two years, when he called on us at Doylestown. We renewed 
old acquaintance and talked of our school mates in the long past. 
Among those alive in Doylestown, at that time, who had filled the 
benches with us, was only cashier John J. Brock, but, since then, he 
has crossed the dark river. My meeting with Mr. Taylor was a very 
pleasant episode. At that day tlie block bounded by Broad, Court, 
Pine street and Garden Alley, had no buildings on it, and the boys 
used it for playing shinny. The first house was built on it, 1833. 
In 1889, the Academy '^ was torn down, to make way for the new 



4 The following is related of a pupil at the Academy : For a public 
entertainment, the lad had learned a jiiece that was illustrated with the picture 
of a monkey at the top, and, underneath, was the inscription: " Did you ever 
see an ape or monkey ? If not here is one." The young orator came upon 
the stage, and, making a bow, opened by repeating, " Did yon ever see an ape 
or monkey, if not, here is one." The lad's debut brought down the house; he 
said no more, but left the stage amid a roar of laughter. .Smaller incidents 
have made the actor famous on the stage of life. 



nOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 243 

public school building, and passed into history. At what time the 
public school was opened in it we are not informed. 

The next most important school, in Doylestown, for the period, 
was George Murray's boarding school, for boys, opened 1829 or '30 
in the stone house south side of East State street recently owned by 
Alfred H. Barber. Murray was a Scotchman, born in the parish of 
Keith, 1 78 1 ; graduated at New Aberdeen and came to America, 1804. 
After teaching near Morristown, N. J., in Bensalem, Hatboro, Hulme- 
ville and elsewhere, he came to Doylestown, 1821, and taught at the 
Academy, under DuBois and Smith, until 1829, when he opened a 
"Select Boarding School for Boys," called "Inverary," probably after 
his birth place. He continued the school in Doylestown until 1842, 
when he removed it to his farm in the township, where he kept it up 
until 1850. It was a noted school and always full. He was a strict 
disciplinarian, and none of his pupils were ruined by "sparing the 
rod." The pranks of " Murray's boys," while the school was in the 
town, were numerous, and the history of some of them still lingers in 
the air. He taught fifty-iive years in all, probably longer than any 
other teacher in the county. He lived to be almost an hundred, and 
was hale and hearty at ninety- live 

In March, 1834, Mary L. Cox opened the " Doylestown Board- 
ing School For Girls'," but, beyond this slender knowledge, we know 
nothing. It doubtless had a short existence, and left not a ripple on 
the great sea of education. A German boarding school was opened 
at Doylestown, April i, 1836, by Frederick N. Lauener, probably in 
the Academy, who likewise gave instruction in the French, Latin and 
Greek languages. In August, 1838, L. Hawley and wife opened a 
"Select Ladies' School," called "Doylestown Female Seminary," 
and also a boys' school in connection with it, but was soon abandoned. 
The Hawley educational venture lasted longer than some of the others 
and gave satisfaction. At this period Miss Sarah Kuhn, from Phila- 
delphia, aunt of the late Richard K. Kuhn, opened a private school, 
April I, 1840, called " Greenfield Seminary." She taught in Doyles- 
town several years, and died here. These sporadic efforts at school 
teaching were evidence Doylestown was thought to be missionary 
ground, for those interested in the cause of education, but nothing was 
accomplished of a permanent character. 

In 1837, a few prominent people of the county, feeling the necessity 
of better facilities for the education of girls at the county seat, procured 
a charter for the " Ingham Female Seminary," named after the Hon. 



244 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Samuel D. Ingham. It was intended for a boarding and day school, and 
received a small annual appropriation from tne state. Dr. C. Soule Car- 
tee, a graduate of Brown University, and wife were engaged to take 
charge of the new school, which they opened in the fall of 1838, in the 
house on the southeast corner of Court and Pine Streets, where Mrs. 
John L. DuBois lives. 5 It was started with flattering prospects. The 
second year it was opened September 2, 1839, in a school building 
erected at the corner of Broad and Mechanics street, on the lot now 
occupied by the Presbyterian Manse. It was a frame building with 
the gable end to Broad street, and, over the door in black letters, 
was the name of the school, " Ingham Female Seminary," in a 
semi-circular form. Dr. Cartee and family, while here, boarded part 
of the time with Charles H. Mann, subsequently elected Sheriff, on 
the corner of State and Pine streets. Dr. Cartee having a taste for 
history, thought of collecting material to write the History of Bucks 
county, and opened correspondence with several persons to obtain in- 
formation;'^ but, beyond this, nothing was done. He did not realize 
the world of vexation he escaped by giving up the project. 

The school not proving a success. Dr. Cartee left in tlie spring of 
1843, and returned to Boston, and no further effort was made to main- 
tain a boarding school in the building. He shortly settled in Charles- 
town, Mass., and was subsequently appointed librarian of the city 
library. There he spent the remainder of his life, dying a few years 
ago from the effects of a fall while in the discharge of liis duties in the 
library. Dr. Cartee was a scholarly man, quite a musician, and much 
esteemed by those who knew him. When tlie author was a student 
at Harvard, after Dr. and Mrs. Cartee had settled at Charlestown, 
their house was a second home to us, and many a courtesy was 
extended to the old acquaintance. The presence of their sprightly 
daughter, EHzabeth, did not distract from llic attractions of the 
household. In June, 1843, the trustees annoiiiu-.cl they had secured 
Miss Christiana A. Murry as principal of the school, but liow long 
she taught we are not imformed. The organization of the Seminary 
was probably kept up until 1847. Judge Fox was president of the 

5 Samuel 1). Ingham was president of the board of trustees, with the 
following menibers : ' Rev. S. M. Andrews, Hon. John Fox, (^.eneral Wm. S. 
Rogers, Dr. C. H. iMatlunvs, C. E. Diiliois. Jolin II. Anderson and John B. 
Pugh. 

6 We learn this from a ronninniicaliun in tiie J!ii( ks ( 'oiDily hitclligencer of 
September 16, 1840. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 245 

board of trustees. In 1848, Rev. Silas M. Andrews taught school in 
the Seminary building. 

During the greater part o,f the subsequent life of the little 
"Seminary" building, it was used as a school room for small 
children, and several persons taught in it, principally women. It was 
occasionally used for social jnirposes, and the author remembers that 
about the close of the forties or beginning of the fifties our musicians 
practiced in it, and, on two or three occasions, select concerts were 
given in it. The little frame, dignified with the name of Jackson's 
first Secretary of the Treasury, was taken down, 1 885-' 86, to make 
way for the Presbyterian Manse, the proceeds, arising from its sale, 
being given to the Linden Seminary, established 187 1. The cost of the 
Manse was $8,200. Something more than a great man's name 
is required to make a school a success. 7 

One of the most noted teachers of Doylestown, of the period, 
was Thomas Hughes, many years a resident of the borough, and one 
of the oldest educators in the state at his death. He was born at 
Dundee, Scotland, 1791, and, when a youth, learned the trade of 
cabinet maker. He now gave his attention to books and became a 
good scholar. Himself and wife came to America, 1819, and, settling 
in Philadelphia, took charge of one of the most prominent boarding 
schools in the city. About 1 841 -'42, they removed to near Doyles- 
town, purchasing the Stuart farm on the highlands, northwest of the 
the village, where Mr. Hughes opened a boarding school. Their 
next move was into the borough, where they taught as long as 
age permitted. At first they opened a school in what was after- 
wards Gaucher' s shop, on the north side of East State street, 
where Mr. Cox's dwelling stands ; next in a frame on the south 
side of East State street, about opposite the old DuBois house, 
corner of Broad and State. Mr. Hughes next assisted his daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Taylor, in a school she kept in the Ingham Seminary 
building. He was now appointed librarian of the town library, 
which place he occupied to about his death, dying at Doyles- 
town, September 14, 1887, at the age of 86. Mrs. Hughes, who died 
several years prior to her husband, turned her attention to literature in 
her latter years, and wrote a number of popular books 

Next, in order of date, were the schools established in Doylestown 

7 In 1 841, a Doylestown newspaper gives the following list of boarding and 
select schools in the borough: " Family Boarding School, Rev. S. M. Andrews; 
Ingham F"emale Seminary, Dr. C. Soule Cartee; Classical and Mathematical 
School, John Robinson. If we add to these the Academy, it will be conceded 
that Doylestown, with a population of 700, was fairly well supplied with schools. 



246 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

under the public school system of the state, Doylestown accepted the 
school law about 1850, and, by this time, the Academy, as a school, 
had deteriorated to such extent, the trustees allowed the directors to use 
it for public school purposes. These schools were kept in the building 
several years until better occommodations could be provided. In the 
meanwhile there were a number of private, and a couple of public 
schools established, which had their day, and passed away, a few 
with a history but more without it. Among these was a girls' school 
opened in the summer of 1858, by a Mr. Vaughan and wife, in a frame 
building on the north side of York street, east of Main. They gave 
satisfaction, but in the fall, or following spring, removed to North 
Carolina. The majority of these schools have been forgotten, but the 
most noted of the group was the boarding and day school of the Rev. 
Silas M. Andrews, in his dwelling at the northwest corner of Broad 
and East State streets. He built a frame school house in his yard, 
where he instilled the dead languages into his pupils by precept and 
example. The Doctor was a fine linguist and, for several years, it 
was one of the most noted private schools at the county seat. He 
fitted several young men for college who made their mark on public 
affairs, among them the late Judge Henry Ross. Mrs. Gregg, wife of 
Barzilla Gregg, kept a private school in her own dwelling a number of 
years, on West State street, where she instructed the children of many 
families. 

In the fall of 1861, the Rev. Levi Sheip, on his graduation from 
Franklin- Marshall College, came to Doylestown and opened a school 
for boys in the basement of Temperance Hall, north side of East 
State street, between Broad and Church. The following year he 
gave it up to attend the Reformed Seminary, Mercersburg, but on 
graduating from there 1863, and prior to ordination, he returned to 
Doylestown and re-opened the school. At the end of the term, Mr. 
Sheip gave up the school to his assistant, Levi M. Koons, of Fred- 
erick, Pa. The school was prosperous. In 1865, Mr. Sheip again 
returned to Doylestown, this time as pastor of Salem Reformed church, 
and, in 1869, opened a girls' school in the basement of Masonic Hall. 

This proving a success, and better accommodations being needed, 
a lot was purchased at the southeast corner of Maple avenue and East 
street, whereon a suitable building was erected, 1871, a charter ob- 
tained and the pupils transferred from the Masonic Hall in the spring 
of 1872. It was called " Linden Seminary," and had an exceptionally 
fine view to the southwest. The scholars numbered eighty-four for 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 247 

the scholastic year, ending July 2, 1874. At that time the Rev. 
Silas M. Andrews, D. D. , was president of the board of trustees, the 
members being Dr. O. P. James, Hon. Richard Watson, N. C. 
James, George Lear, Moritz Loeb, Louis Worthington, Andrew 
Scott and Samuel Trumbower, all now deceased. The catalogue of 
1874, the only one that has fallen into our hands, shows that fifty-one 
of the pupils were from Doylestown, and, of the remainder, only 
eleven came from outside the county. The school year was forty 
weeks, and the necessary expenses $265. 

The faculty consisted of six teachers, who instructed the pupils in 
the higher branches. The school prospered for a few years and the 
building then came into the possession of Miss Amanda Morris and 
Mrs. Gathers, who are still the owners. Mr. Sheip dying suddenly, 
February 17, 1897, Mr. Hough took charge. He taught for several 
years when he resigned and was appointed to a situation in the Pen- 
sion Bureau, Washington, and died there in June, 1902. The draw- 
ing of the building, which accompanies this chapter, was taken from the 
catalogue of 1874. 

The Doylestown Seminary was established about the same period 
on the southwest edge of the borough with an equally fine outlook. 
The wing was erected in 1867, the main building, 1869, and the en- 
tire cost of the buildings was about $30,000, the amount being sub- 
scribed by the people of Doylestown and vicinity interested in educa- 
tion. Sometime in 1867, Benjamin Smith, son of Jonathan Smith, of 
Solebury, who opened a school in the basement of Masonic Hall, 
moved into the wing when that was finished. He now set up a school 
of higher grade including the classics. The course of study embraced 
preparatory, literary, classical, and musical branches with all others 
essential to a liberal education. The expense was $250 a year. The 
records show there were four graduates in 1870, twelve in 1871, nine 
in 1872 and ten in 1873. In 1884, with a graduating class of five, the 
students numbered fifty males and forty-three females. While Mr, 
Smith was at the head of the institution, he had a large school, the 
greatest number, in i872-'73, reaching two hundred boarders and day 
scholars. The failure of Jay Gook effected the attendance as the 
parents, who lost money by it, could not so well afford to send their 
children to a pay school. Smith left the school in August, 1876.^ 

Mr. Smith was succeeded by the Rev. M. L. Hofford, 1876, where 

8 When Mr. Smith left the Doylestown Seminary, he went to a Friends' 
School in New York, and remained there about nine years, then to Swarthmore 
some six or eight years, next opened a private school in New York, and then 
to Friends' School in Philadelphia, i895-'96. 



248 DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 

he remained about a year. He was followed at the Seminary by 
Prof. M. E. Scheibner, 1877, a Russian and a graduate of the Univer- 
sity of Warsaw. He was a fine scholar, speaking several European 
languages, and was an equally good English scholar. He was a 
soldier in our Civil War and wounded. Being in Paris he came here 
expecting to get a commission, but failing, enlisted. On one occasion 
Scheibner was invited to dine at my house; during the dinne'r he 
asked my wife if she had a raw beef steak; she answered in the 
afifirmative, it was brought to him and he ate it. When he left the 
Seminary, 1881, he went to Reading, Pa., where he had charge of 
the High school for several years. 

From this time, those in charge of Uoylestown Seminary for a 
period were A. C. Winters, Dr. John Gosman and George Wheeler, 
who probably came from Schuylkill county. Pa. Winters went to Florida 
and engaged in orange culture, but, not being successful, took charge 
of a school in Georgia, where he died in '84 or '85. In its day 
Doylestown Seminary was a flourishing school for a few years, but 
getting into financial trouble, the property was sold to private parties 
of which three were Henry T. Darlington, the main factor in its 
erection, Thomas Trego and W. W. H. Davis. They owned it but 
a short time, when they sold it to Prof. A. C. Winters for $16,000, 
and he to Dr. Gosman, 1882. In 1890, they leased the property to 
George Wheeler. The next year Wheeler removed the school to 
the Shellenberger house on north side of East Court street, and called 
it the " Doylestown Seminary." He was there two years and failed, 
and is now 1902, principal of a school in Philadelphia. In May, 1891, 
Dr. John Gosman sold the school property to Frank Hart for $16,000, 
and is now a popular summer resort, and largely patronized. The 
public school system has driven from the field every private school in 
Doylestown, and enjoys a monopoly of organized education. 

The necessity for better quarters for the public schools, and the 
means of properly developing their usefulness, led to the demolition 
of the Union Academy, which had played so important a part in the 
cause of education. The question, of increased accommodations, was 
frequently discussed, but no conclusion reached imtil 1883, when the 
directors determined to erect a new building on the Academy lot, if 
the property could be obtained. This was accomplished, through the 
action of the trustees and the court, and the conveyance was made 
to the directors, January 28, 1889. Steps were now taken to erect a 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 249 

building the coming season; an architect employed, and contracts 
made. 

Prior to taking down the Academy, memorial exercises were held 
in it by its friends, patrons and former pupils. This took place on 
Tuesda)' afternoon, May 6, 1889, and the public were assembled by 
the ringing of the bell, which had called the pupils together for eighty- 
five years. It was like bidding farewell to an old friend and a shade 
of sadness pervaded the audience. The services consisted of a prayer, 
by the Rev. Willian A. Patton, of the Presbyterian church; vocal and 
instrumental music, in charge of J. Freeman Hendricks, Esq. , Miss 
Annie Hill presiding at the organ; opening remarks by the Rev. Levi 
L. Sheip, principal of the public schools; Historical address by W. 
W. H. Davis, who had "come to bury Caesar not to praise him;" 
short addresses by John L. DuBois and Ehas Carver, Esqs. , and John 
P. Rogers and William J. Buck, all pupils but one and he a teacher. 
The choir now sang, " Nearer My God to Thee," all joining in the 
Doxology, and the exercises were concluded by the Rev. D. Levin 
Coleman pronouncing a benediction. The old seminary of learning 
was now relegated to history, and its walls turned over to the merciless 
hands of the despoiler. Principal Sheip, of the public schools, w^ith 
his corps of teachers, Isaiah K. Clymer, Julia VanHorn, Nellie 
Wetherill, Alma B. Shelly, Lillie A. Martin and Florence B. Kep- 
hard were all present. 

The last board of trustees of the Academy, and the one that 
transferred the property to the school board, consisted of Alfred 
Fackenthal, president; Robert S. Garner, secretary; Whittingham J. 
Livezey, W. W. H. Davis, J. Monroe Shellenberger, Henry Lear, 
James Barrett, John M. Purdy and John Yardley. 

The school board, on whom devolved the work of taking down the 
old building, and replacing it with a new structure, were Howard 
Templin, president; Henry P. Sands, secretary; Henry D. Livezey, 
M. K. Dungan, Louis H. James and George McReynolds. Before the 
work was begun, Livezey and James resigned, and their places filled by 
A. F. Scheetz and Rev. D. Levin Coleman. The new building, finished 
and occupied in the spring of 1890, the total cost being $28,239, is 
one of the handsomest school buildings in the state, and very attract- 
ive. It faces one hundred and one feet on Broad street and sixty-five 
on Court, three stories high and surmounted by a belfry. It is built 
of Bucks county stone, the facing Norristown granite, and the 
trimmings Wyoming blue stone. Milton B. Bean, of Lansdale, was 



250 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

the Architect, Henry D. Livezey, contractor, and the builders Henry 
D. Livezey and James Flack, of Doylestown. 

About i854-'55, a Mrs. Mathews an elderly woman of Doyles- 
town, with two daughters, opened a school for boys and girls in her 
own residence. This was afterwards the Lewis Worthington dwelling, 
north side of East State street, second house from Broad, now owned 
and occupied by Edward Buckman and family. She probably taught 
there a couple of years but we have learned little of the school. 
Among the pupils were Mary Andrews, daughter of the Rev. Silas 
M. Andrews, L. L. D. , " Tilley " Hall, daughter of Samuel Hall, 
and the two sons of the late John S. Brown, then proprietor and 
editor of the Bucks County Intelligencer. One of the prizes, awarded 
for good behavior, was a doll baby, and one of the Brown boys got it. 
A former pupil, a lady of Doylestown, informs us that one amuse- 
ment of the girls was riding sticks for horses, and one of the young 
equestrians was given a penny for quitting the practice. Whether this 
cavalry school turned out any "Rough Riders" during the Civil 
War, we are not informed. We presume, without knowing it to be 
the fact, that Mrs. Mathews was of the New Britain family of this name. 

Mr. Jacob Byrnes, of Philadelphia, partly educated at Doylestown 
Academy, seventy-two years ago, and a school mate of the author, 
in writing to us about the schools of that period says in relation to them : 

"Doylestown had its Academy, with its classical department, 
its school for boys, in what were taught the elements of a plain English 
education, and schools for girls. The first had its apartment in the 
second story and the other two on the lower floor. A school for 
small children was taught by Miss Kuhn, near the Presbyterian 
church. This school was one of the institutions of the town, and the 
teacher a well known and highly esteemed member of the community. 
There was another school for older girls in the second story of the 
printing office of the Bucks County Intelligencer , taught by a Miss 
Haley, if I have the correct name, but not maintained for any great 
length of time. I remember a Christmas entertainment held in this 
school room, the year having escaped my memory." 

" Mr. Murray, a Scotchman, kept a boarding school for boys, at 
the extreme end of the town, on the New Hope street or road ; his 
house adjoined the school lot on the west. I think this school was 
mainly supported by scholars from a distance, some from Philadelphia; 
my recollection is that few of the boys living in the town attended. 
Mr. Murray's personality was pronounced; broadly Scotch in accent. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 251 

his person heavy, with strongly marked Scotch features. He was 
the ideal of the strict, stern school master of ' ye ancient days. ' 
He was an agreeable, pleasant man with an amiable family. The 
above I believe included all our schools at the time of which I write." 

"At this time, the classical department of the Academy was 
conducted by the Rev. Samuel Aaron, an unique character in every 
respect, and a man of mark at any time. His early years, if I am 
correctly informed, were those of cares and sorrows, and they marked, 
and may have stamped, his after-life with some of its strong features. 
Mentally he was a strong man ; nor was he less a man of strong convic- 
tions and passions, the latter held in check by a still stronger will. His 
modes of punishment of big boys was not always after the approved 
manner of the school room, and this became generally understood by 
them. As a young fellow, in his early teens, I had a wholesome fear 
of him, though I was never punished by him. He had a full school 
when I attended. As a teacher he was remarkably able and efficient. 
He had a peculiarly fine voice and, as a reader, had few equals. I 
remember some of his striking corrections in pronunciation in the read- 
ing class. As a forcible and eloquent public speaker, he always 
commanded marked attention. Out of the strict line of my subject, 
but in keeping with the character of the man, let me say, three years 
after he taught in the Academy, a group of some of the boys of the 
town, at the instance of John Titus, Esq., then an attorney of Doyles- 
town, walked to the New Britain Baptist Church, three miles on three 
successive evenings, to hear Mr. Aaron lecture on temperance. 
We had a double interest m his subject, one from a public and one 
from a personal standpoint. His preaching and his denunciations were 
made with an eloquence that was intense to painfulness. Years after- 
ward I heard him speak in the cause of anti-slavery in the hall at Wil- 
mington, Delaware. He was in a place not in accord with the 
sentiments he uttered, for Delaware, at the time, was a slave state and 
therefore pro-slavery in sentiment. His oration was as fervid as fear- 
less, his metalic voice rung through the house like a note from a 
clarion. He was a man who had no sense of personal fear. His in- 
vective was terrible, and in invective he dealt more than in words of 
pursuasion." 

Libraries, as co-educators, naturally take their place with schools. 
In so far as we are informed, there have been only two public libraries 
in Doylestown, the "Society Library" and the " Doylestown 
Library," but there is a difference of opinion as to the time the former 



252 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

was established. One authority says it was incorporated by an Act of 
Assembly, December, 1799, another 1832, but there is an agreement 
as to the time it wound up its affairs, 1 845-' 46. 

An old document, recently found in the Orphans' Court offtce at 
Doylestown, headed, "List of Members of the 'Society Library 
Company,'" gives the following "Signers of the Constitution, July 
1804:" David Evans, Hugh Meredith, Thomas M. Meredith, Ellis 
Pugh, Meshach Michener, Joseph Harvey, John Fell, Joseph Shep- 
herd, Samuel Mason, Christian Clemens, John Riale, James Thomas, 
Lewis Thomas, Benjamin Mathews, Jr., Rachel Dungan, Thomas 
Stewart, Benjamin Comly, Edward Fell, Rachel Large, Benjamin 
Watson, Nathaniel Shewell, Jonathan Large, John Moore, Jonathan 
Fell, Samuel Currie, George Burges, John Jamison, William White, 
James Watson, Robert Jamison and John Hough. 

Another record of the "Society Library," recently presented to 
the Bucks County Historical Society by Miss DuBois, of Doylestown, 
throws additional light on the time of its founding. In the company's 
account book I fmd this entry, " iSoo, paid to 1830, January i, 
George Burgess' widow. Dr. to annunity for 1831, $1; January 8, 
Cr. by Cash in full, $1. Mrs. Burgess accounts until 1835, when she 
died. There is a similar account in the names of Christian Clemens, 
Samuel Curry, Elizabeth Large, Benjamin Mathews, et al. Other 
accounts were opened later, John Fox, 18 16, the year he was mar- 
ried, Charles E. DuBois, 1821, Nathan Cornell, 1816. The ac- 
counts are all computed to 1830, when new accounts were opened. 
This is evidence the library was reorganized about 1830. Seven- 
teen of the members paid to 1840. 

The location of the library was in a small frame building on the 
Academy lot facing Broad street, and about opposite Garden alley. 
The catalogue called for seven hundred volumes, doubless the best 
current literature of the period, but the number fell short from loss. 
The books, with stove, desk and other fixtures, were sold at public 
sale, November 20, 1846, Stephen Brock, auctioneer, the committee, 
to attend the sale, being William T. Rogers, Caleb E. Wright and 
Alfred Magill. 

Ten years now elapsed before a new library was organized at 
Doylestown, to take the place of the old one, which a few public 
spirited men and women made a success. The outcome of this effort 
was the Doylestown Library Company, chartered by the Court, 1856, 
and put on record. 

The petition was signed by Silas M. Andrews, George Hart, 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 253 

William R. Gries, Henry T. Darlington, Enos Prizer, Richard Wat- 
son, M. Yardley, C. E. DuBois, George Lear, Edwin Fretz, 
J. Brown, James Gilkyson and Henry Chapman, all deceased. 

When we came to look up the record of the Doylestown Library 
Company, in order to tell our readers something of its history, we 
found the charter and a book entitled " Account of the Treasurer of 
the Doylestown Library Company." The first entry of any kind 
with the exception of the money accounts, is of the date of May 8, 
1886, entitled " An Election held for Officers," when the following 
were chosen directors: Henry Lear, Alfred Paschall and Thomas W. 
Gaucher; Purchasing Committee, Lewis P. Worth ington and Henry 
C. Michener; Treasurer, Elias Carver. When and how, the previous 
officers were elected is not stated, or may we presume there were no 
officers elected between 1856 and 1886? While we were not able to 
find any entry purporting to be a roll of members, seventy-two persons 
paid the admission fee and annual dues the first year, who may be 
accepted as the original members. So far as that book is concerned, 
and we were told it is the only record of the Society, annual meetings 
have been held regularly down to the present time. The collection of 
books have increased until the number of volumes on the shelves has 
reached 3,400, made up of history and current literature of the day. 
As an educator of the borough, the use of its books assists to cultivate 
a taste for reading. Thomas Hughes was librarian of this library for 
some time. Each of our churches has a library, books of a religious 
character predominating, and a few persons, in our borough, have 
private collections of books of sufficient number to entitle them to be 
called a library, and, among them are some valuable publications. 
This is a very commendable ambition. The inhabitants of Doyles- 
town are a reading people and always have been, and are equally well 
equipped in music. 



ioijleatoiim, (^Ih anh ieiu. 



XXVI 
Art in Doylestown. 

The difficulty of vvritino of art in Doylestown, in the past, and 
we refer particularly to music and painting, will be apparent when the 
reader reflects that the county capital was only a modest hamlet in 
1800, and without a church until sixteen years later. The best we 
can do will be to present a brief view of these two civilizing influences 
as we knew them. 

As to music, there is no doubt it was cultivated to some extent, 
from the earliest settlement, for the Welsh Baptists and Scotch-Irish 
Presbyterians were a religious people, and practiced singing in the 
family circle, in the church and elsewhere. Their music may have 
been of a crude character, but better than none at all, for every culti- 
vation of the " harmony of sweet sounds " elevates the social standard. 
Music, as an accomplishment, vv^as not cultivated in Doylestown until a 
much later period. Prior to 1830, there were not more than two 
pianos in Doylestown and one of these was in the house of Judge Fox. 
At that time there were no organs here in church or dwelling; this 
favorite reed instrument had not yet made its appearance, and pipe 
organs were rarely heard in the country. The melodian, which pre- 
ceded the reed organ, was introduced into this county about 1840, 
when country singing schools were much in vogue. There may have 
been a spinet here and there, the forerunner of the piano, but they 
were very few. At the period of which we write, the Doylestown 
Presbyterian Church introduced a melodian to assist the choir in 
singing, and was the first in this section. It was i)lared in the left 

254 




SAMUEL Dubois, Musician. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 255 

hand gallery of the old church building of 1845, a copy of which helps 
to illustrate our text. As this was the oldest church organization in 
the village, it was meet and proper this congregation should lead off 
in the introduction of music in their place of worship. Some denomi- 
nations tabooed musical instruments altogether, believing they gave 
rise to too much levity. 

The first musical organization, we have met with, in Doylestown, 
was a brass band in 1824, though it may have had a predecessor. Its 
leader was Charles F. Beckel, and it was still in existence in 1830. 
The same year, Charles Gibson was ' ' Captain of the Doylestown 
band," which was ordered to meet in uniform at the Cross Keys, 
Saturday, August 27, at ten o'clock. It is possible they were one 
and the same band. On Saturday evening, March 4, 1835, the 
" Doylestown Band" held a meeting at Andrew Mayer's Green Tree 
tavern, to decide whether it should continue its organization another 
year, but the decision reached is not known. It is probable this was 
the Beckel band under another leader. We may safely say, that 
from this time, for the next forty years, Doylestown was seldom with- 
out a brass band. 

For the following decade there was something of a boom in music. 
In 1840, Dr. Cartee, in charge of the "Ingham Female Seminary," 
opened a singing school at Doylestown, and a few nearby places, teach- 
ing what was known as the "Pestalozzian system," but how long it was 
continued we do not know. In November, 1842, a "Social Club" 
was organized " for the purpose of mutual improvement in literary 
and musical pursuits," the leaders in the movement being Dr. Cartee 
and Edward J. Fox. The Doctor was appointed leader of the 
musical department, Mr. Fox, Secretary, and the meetings were held 
on Friday evening. We have no farther information of this organiza- 
tion. One of the best instrumental players of the period was Preston 
Jones,' uncle of the late John J. Brock, and leader of the Doylestown 
band in the 40' s, his favorite instrument being the Kent bugle, B-flat. 
He was more than an ordinary musician, and on his death, Samuel 
Frankenfield took charge of the band. 

On the evening of March 26, 1845, the Doylestown Brass Band 



I Preston Jones was a native of Buckingham, and brother-in-law of 
Stephen Brock. He died at Doylestown, January 5, 1849, of typhoid fever, and 
was buried according to the rites of the Odd Fellows of which he was an 
active and esteemed member. 



256 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

gave a "Grand Concert" of instrumental music at the Beneficial 
Hall, with the following " Program: " 

Part i. 

1. Walsh's Concerto by J. K. Walsh 

2. Goshen Rondo J. Marsh 

3. Blue Quick Step J. Halloway 

4. Sweet Home, with variations 

5. Harmonic, Trio with Violins J. M. 

6. Jackson's March, Trio and I<"ull Band Auber 

7. Albany Quick Step J. M. 

8. Gaucher's March " 

9. Concerted W^altz, Trio with Violin " 

10. Quadrille Waltz " 

IT. Battle, Full Band " 

12. Chase the Devil, Etc " 

Part ii. 

1. Grand Entre J. K. Walsh 

2. Chromatic Quick Step J. M. 

3. Guard's Quick Step, Violin Walsh 

4. Violin Solo, an Overture J. M. 

5. Chapman's Quick Step, Full Band " 

6. Kite March 7 " 

7. Gun " 

8. German Waltz, Violins " 

9. Mount Hope Quick Step " 

10. Fireman's Quick .Step " 

11. Irishman's Washer " 

12. Hail Columbia, Chief and ^'ankee Doodle, Good Bye " 

Doors open at Sli o'clock. Admittance, I2j-^ cents; children half price. 

One of the Do\lcstovvn papers, in speaking of the preparations 
for the concert says: " The Beneficial Hall is about being completed, 
and is greatly improved for the accomodation of assemblages such as 
it may be used for. An ample number of comfortable seats with backs 
are now finished and fit for use, and likewise a neat stand or j)ulpit 
is erected for juibUr speakers. The spacious hall can now be lirillianlly 
illuminated, ha\ing sus[)ended, from the centre of the ceiling a 
splendid chandelier containing si.x globe lamps, with gothic 
shades, and elegantly gilded, and ornamented with drops and 
spangles reflecting all the colors of the rainbow. Besides these 
are four solar lamps of elegant finish ami appearance on the 
pulpit. All of these are constructed for lard, and, when lighted, 
will present a splendid appearance as well as produce a dazzl- 
ing and beautiful light. As the band, on this (Occasion, will use 
the Hall for the iirst time since its Cf)mpletion, it may be some 
inducement for attendants to know that comfort and taste will be 
amply provided for in addition to the rich and rare treat of music." ^ 

In the summer of 1845, Edward Perkins, professor of music at 

2 This buildiu;; is tiic same now ow lu-d untl occupied I>\' the .Masonic Lodge. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 257 

Captain Partridge's Military Institute, near Bristol, came to Doyles- 
town and opened a school for instruction in instrumental music, but 
it did not last long. He was a fine performer on the E-flat bugle; was 
professor of music several years at the Norwich University, Vt. , and 
subsequently at Captain Partridge's Military School at Harrisburg. 
In the early winter, 1847, an association of young men, musically in- 
clined, and calling themselves "The Orphean Society," was organ- 
ized at Doylestown, giving their first public concert in Beneficial Hall, 
on Christmas night, in the presence of a large audience. It is not 
known who were the leaders in this movement, but we have no 
doubt George Mcintosh and Henry C. Nightingale were members. 
They played for the Episcopal fairs in 1848 and 1849. 

Doylestown was probably more musical in the 40' s and early 50' s, 
than at any previous, or subsequent period. Mrs. Stokes L. Roberts, 
who came here to reside on her marriage, 1844, was the leading 
vocalist among the ladies, and Edward J. Fox among the gentlemen. 
The Misses Chapman, daughters of Judge Chapman, Miss Morris, 
a niece, all of Doylestown, and Miss Mcintosh, Miss Brunner, and 
Miss Shell, of Bridge Point, all sang well and bore their part. Sam- 
uel F. DuBois excelled as a violinist, few amateurs equalling him. 
while George Mcintosh was a good tenor. Their music contributed 
much to the social pleasures of society. 

Near the close of the 40' s, the four best male singers, Edward J. 
Fox, George Mcintosh, Samuel F\ DuBois and Abel H. James, a 
recent comer, organized a quartett that lasted several years. They 
were excellent singers with a good knowledge of music. Mr. DuBois 
pla3-ed the violin -when needed. Some of the present generation 
remember Mr. Fox, son of the late Judge Fox. He was a graduate of 
Princeton, read law in his father's oflice, and, shortly after his 
admission, settled at Easton, became a prominent lawyer, suddenly 
dying therein 1889. Mr. DuBois, a son of the Rev. Uriah DuBois, 
was a portrait painter, and Mr. Mclntosli was a son of Jonathan Mc- 
intosh; all were born at Doylestown, and two of them died here. 
Mr. James, the fourth member of this somewhat famous quartett, the 
son of Colonel Isaiah James, of New Britain, was brought up in his 
uncle's counting room, Philadelphia, but came to Doylestown, 1848, 
soon after his father was elected Prothonotary, to take charge of the 
office. He was an accomplished musician, playing on several instru- 
ments, his favorite being the " flulina " just introduced. He died at 
his father's house, in New Britain, September 20, 1850, mourned by 



258 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

a large circle of friends. This was the best male quartette Doyles- 
tovvn ever had. 

Mrs. James W. Mercur, of Tovvanda, Pa., a poetess of ability, 
wrote a Monody on the death of Mr. James, of which we print the 
following stanzas: 

And thou art gone ! Dust is upon thy brow. 
Thy faded lip the seal of silence wears, 
, Thy cherished form as Parian marble now 

Lies cold and still beyond earth's joys and cares. 

Yea thou art gone ! Within the silent tomb, 
In the full pride of manhood thou wert laid, 

For thee no more our summer flow'rs shall bloom, 
Nor autum's glow with tints of light and shade. 

Earth will put on her myriad glories still, 

And every season deck her form anew. 
And regal grandeur every crevice fill 

Which lies beneath God's masonry of blue. 

But never more, Oh ! Never more thine eye, 
Can gaze enchanted on our smiling earth, 

Can trace the splendors of our starry sky, 
Or greet the voice of music or of mirth. 

***** * 

Lone are the hearts which ye were won't to cheer. 

Oh thou ! whose smile from our cold earth is riven, 

And we no more shall great thy virtues here. 
Which ever rose as incense unto Heaven. 

******* 

But thy free'd spirit rose beyond the sky. 

And roams in realms where sorrow is unknown. 
Where fadeless glory meets the tranquil eye, 

And bliss is deathless round His Heavenly Throne. 

It was the custom of the quartette to serenade twice or thrice a 
week, and, when they were abroad, the streets were " vocal with sweet 
sounds. "Mr. DuBois generally took his violin along, and sometimes a 
flutist was pressed into service. The quartette frequently met at 
private houses; Judge Chapman's, Judge Fox's, Mr. Roberts' Mrs. 
Morris' and Charles E. DuBois', where delightful evenings were passed. 
On a few occassions a semi-public concert was given in the building of 
the " Ingham Female Seminary," to whicli the fiiends of the perform- 
ers were admitted by card. 

The dwelling of Mr. Roberts, on Court street, because of his 
wife's musical accomplishments, was headquarters and frequent meet- 
ings were held there for practice. Miss Morris was the best pianist in 
town at that day, and long maintained her supremacy. Mr. Fox's 
voice was a cultivated tenor, and when he sang his two favorite pieces. 



DOYLESTOWN. OLD AND NEW. 259 

Crouch's " Kathleen Ma vourneen," and "I'm Sitting on the Stile, 
Mary," he was sure to receive encores. Mr. DuBois, who was 
esteemed Doylestown's Paganini, played delightfully and it was a 
treat to listen to him, when in his best mood. Mr. Mcintosh and Mr. 
James led the Presbyterian and Episcopal choirs, respectively, and, 
when the latter died, his place in the quartette was filled by William 
P. Seymour, a young printer who had recently came to Doylestown 
hom Buffalo, N. Y. He had a good voice and sang well, and, as he 
was a gentleman in his manners, was admitted into the musical circle. 

As tlie author looks back on the musical life of Doylestown, in 
the forties and early fifties, he fully realizes what pleasant, happy 
days they were. A small ccJterie of congenial young men and women 
fond of music and song, met from house to house and indulged in 
their hobbie. The occasions were always of the most agreeable 
character. Although the author was with them he was hardly of 
them, for he neither played nor sang, except very occasionally touched 
the keys of a flute. Of the ladies it is not known that more than two 
of them are deceased. Miss Morris, widow of the late John Lyman, 
and Miss Mcintosh, while all the young men are dead unless the 
writer be counted, and then he is the only survivor. Among the 
musical features were frequent serenades by the young men, when the 
streets were fairly made vocal with the songs they sang, and the 
accompanying music from the violin, flute and fiutina. 

A new brass band was organized in 1853, with John L. DuBois, 
leader, and Prof. Rowbotham, of Philadelphia, instructor. It lasted 
three years, taking the name of the " Doylestown Brass Band." The 
instructor played on every instrument in use, and it was thought to 
have been the best band the town ever had. Its services were in 
frequent demand, for parades, concerts, political meetings, etc. The 
uniform was blue and white, and it made a fine appearance on the 
street. There were sixteen meml:)ers: John L. DuBois, leader, 
James M. Rogers, Stewart Addis, George E. Donaldson, Ira F. 
Gensel, Harvey Shearer, George C. Worrell, Daniel S. Hulshizer, 
Richard K. Kuhn, William P. Seymour, William Cox, John Hul- 
shizer, Samuel F. DuBois, William Frankenfield, Nathan C. James 
and Thomas Kachline. Of the whole number but three are living, 
Addis, Worrell and Cox. It was the custom, after a wedding, and 
the return of the parties from the honey moon trip, for the band to 
serenade them, accepting refreshments in pay. On one occasion, 
during this period, Samuel Johnson Paxson, editor and proprietor of 



26o DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

the Democrat, wishing to dilate on music, compressed his opinion 
into a brief sentence: 

" Music hath charms to soothe the savage, 
Break a rock and split a cabbage." 

No one pretended to question his criticism. 

From the time the band of 1853 dissolved, 1856, the balance of 
the decade and through the war period, there was a lull in the public 
culture of music, but it was revived in the seventies. One of the first 
organizations after the war was a cornet band, whose instructor was 
Rowbotham, with Silas Selser, quite a musician, for leader, but it 
lasted only a few years. Its original members, were Augustus Seigler, 
first E-flat cornet; Aaron Frankenfield, second; Frank H. Barndt; 
third; Adam Frankenfield, first B-flat; Howard Twining, second 
B-flat; Wallace Gilkyson, piccola; Conrad Hahl, E-flat clarionet; J. M. 
Vandegrift, B-ffat claironet; Lewis H. Clemens, first alto; H. J. Booz, 
second; S. A. Selser, third; R. M. Eisenhart, first tenor, Isaac C. 
Roberts, second; Thomas P. Otter, baritone; John Cassell, first basso; 
Tom J. Smith, second; H. C. Mcintosh, L. V. Garron, tenor drum; 
Tom Lukens, bass; and Walter C. Cor.son, symballs. Edgar Ruth was 
leader of the Selser band, after the latter gave it up, but it did not last 
long. 

At the Teachers' Institute, in the fall, of 1870, the entire musical 
programme consisted of selections on a mouth organ by a Doylestown 
barber, who was introduced to the audience as " Professor H." While 
he acquitted himself with credit, it was evident music, as a social feat- 
ure of the Institute, had reached a pretty low ebb, but better times for 
music, were near at hand, and, during the decade, very considerable 
progress was made. 

Late in the fall of that year, 1870, the "Doylestown Musical 
Association " was organized, the first meeting being held the evening 
of December 19, in the Presbyterian lecture room, southeast corner of 
the grave yard. The Rev. A. J. Hastings, was elected president; 
W. W. H. Davis, secretary; Milton J. Sheetz, treasurer; and Miss 
Addie Brower, musical director, with an executive committee of which 
the Rev. Silas M. Andrews was chairman. The regular meetings, 
for instruction and practice, were first held Monday evenings in the 
council chamber, then in the Watson building. North Main street, but 
afterward changed to the lecture room of the Baptist church. A piano 
was purchased, and the members went to work vij^orously. 

The association kept together for three years, practicing through 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 261 

the winter, with a musical convention of four days each year, and 
closing with a public concert. It then adjourned until fall. Professor 
Henry Harding, of Trenton, had charge one or more of the con- 
ventions. The first concert yielded $59.40; the second, $65.03; and 
the third, $67.29. The last meeting was held December 9, 1872. 
The membership reached seventy-five, and numbered forty-two when 
it dissolved. The association assisted in the improvement of vocal 
music. 

We are now in the period when Doylestown's most noted 
musical organization came into existence. This was "Brock's 
Orchestra," organized in 1875, the Godfather being George P. 
Brock, a great lover of music, and their instructor Prof. Keller, of 
Philadelphia. It soon became the musical feature of the town, and 
bore a leading part in entertainments, social, benetical and otherwise. 
The honors of the quartett of thirty years before naturally descended 
upon it. In a few years it had scarcely an equal, and no superior as 
an amateur orchestra. 

Its repertoire contained classical music, the rendering of which 
was much admired, and chaste. For a considerable time Professor 
Schaumberg presided at the piano. Within this organization grew up 
another, the "Horn Quartette," consisting of Messrs. Selser, Hul- 
shizer, Ruth and Yardley. 

The original members of the orchesta were George P. Brock, 
leader and founder; William K. Black, Silas A. Selser. Benjamin 
Doan, Martin Hulshizer, Clarence White, Harvey Scheetz, Alfred 
W. Walton, John Yardley, W. Sharp Hulshizer, Theodore Schaum- 
berg, Edward Ruth, John Hellerman and W. Harry Cadwallader; of 
the above, Black, Doan, White and Scheetz were not long members, 
having left Doylestown. In recent years there was little change in its 
personnel. In 1883, the members with the instruments they played 
were: Geo. Brock, first violin, leader; John Hellermam, second violin; 
Edward Ruth, bass; Silas Selser, cornet; W. S. Hulshizer, second cor- 
net; John Yardley, trombone; Martin Hulsliizer, clarionet; and Harvey 
F. Scheetz, flute. 

Saying the orchestra was one of the leading social features of 
Doylestown, hardly expresses the place it held in the community. It 
not only responded to social calls, but local charities, and religious 
functions never appealed to it in vain. It had numerous calls from 
home, and, wherever it played, encores were showered upon it. While 



262 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

the orchestra was in existence it played yearly at the County Teacher's 
Institute, and was one of its most enjoyable features. For such 
occasions, two or three additional musicians were engaged from the 
city, a harpist being one of them. Do34estown is under many obli- 
gations to Mr. Brock and his orchestra, for their delightful music. 
We hope it may be reorganized in the near future. 

Near the close of the seventies. Professor John L. Field organized 
the "Bucks County Music Association," with singing societies at 
Doylestown, Sellersville, Valley Park and Nockamixon, with about 
fifty voices each. The Association was in existence two or three 
years, and gave annual concerts in the large building on the exhibition 
grounds just outside the borough on its south-western border. The 
first was in August, 1879, with an attendance of four thousand, the 
second in the same building, August 25, 1880, with an attendance of 
three thousand, the weather being unfavorable. The grand chorus, 
sung by two hundred voices, fairly made the building shake. In 
addition to the presence of the singing societies on this occasion, the 
Richlandtown, Pa., and the Woodbury, N. J., bands and Brock's 
Orchestra were present, and took part. Colonel John W. Forney, 
Philadelphia, delivered an address on the " Progress of Music," 
and Miss Ella Heist sang two solos. The affair was a success. In 
the evening there was a concert in Lenape Hall, a complimentary 
benefit for Brock's Orchestra, in acknowledgement of the many favors 
extended the people of Doylestown. The Richlandtown band assisted 
and the Doylestown Singing Society did the choral work. The con- 
cert in the evening was thought superior to that of the afternoon. 
The rendering of " Star of Descending Night," by the Doylestown 
Society, was especially commended. The following were the pro- 
grammes in the afternoon and evening respectively: 

AFTERNOON. 

Part i. 

Selfxtion Richlandtown Cornet I5and 

Chorus To I'hee, O Country 

.Selection Brock's Amateur Orchestra 

I Love the Merry Sunshine Valley I^ark .Sin.s^int^ Society 

Solo Ocean, Jhou Mighty Monster — Miss Ella Heist 

.Selection Richlandtown Cornet Band 

.Semi-Chorus Star of Descending Night — Doylestown Singing Society 

Chorus Festival Hymn 

Address Colonel John W. Forney 

Part ii. 

Selection Richlandtown Cornet Band 

Chorus Adestes Fideles 

Selection Brock's Amateur Orchestra 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 263 

Semi-Chorus Nockamixon Singing Society 

Solo Night's Shade No Longer. (Selected)— Miss Ella Heist 

Chorus Angel of Peace 

Selection Richlandtown Cornet Band 

Semi-Chorus (Selected)— Sellersville Singing Society 

Chorus ' ' . Whittier's Hymn 

Musical Director — Prof. John L. Field. 
Pianist — Prof. C. R. Hoffman. 



EVENING. 
Part i. 

1. Chorus — " Adestes Fideles." Novello 

2. Selection — " Boccaccio March." — Orchestra Suppe 

3. Vocal Solo— "Stacatto Polka."— Miss Ella Heist R.Mulder 

4. Violin Solo. 

5. Chorus — "Angel of Peace." Kellei- 

6. Trio— " O Restless Sea." C A. White 

Miss Ella Heist and Messrs. Field and Siegler. 

7. Overture — "Fatinitza." — Orchestra Suppe 

8. Chorus— "Festival Hymn." D. Buck 

Part 11. 

1. Selection — "Sounds from the North." — Orchestra Zikoff 

2. Chorus — "To Thee, O Country." /. Eichberg 

3. Clarionet Solo — Mr. L. Seal. 

4. Vocal Solo— ^" The Future Shines Still Brightly." Lucia 

Miss Ella Heist. 

5. Chorus— " Star of Descending Night." L. O. Emerson 

6. Duett— "Only Thee." C. A. White 

Miss Ella Heist and Prof. J. L. Field 

7. Overture — " Crown of Gold." — Orchestra Hennatm 

8. Chorus — "Whittier's Hymn." Paine 

Prof. J. L. Field, Prof. C. P. Hoffman, 

Conductor. Pianist. 

On the 1 2th of September, 1880, the " Amateur Band Associa- 
tion " of Bucks and Montgomery counties, gave a Concert Tour- 
nament on the exhibition grounds, the first ef?ort of the kind in 
either of the counties, and proved a great success. Two bands, with 
about one hundred instruments were present; the attendance was 
large and the music appreciated. 

In the summer of 1887, a new feature was introduced into the 
musical Hfe of Doylestown, evening open air concerts. The suggestion 
met public approbation, and, in a short time, money was collected for 
the first season, the expense being $300. The music was furnished 
by Brock's Orchestra, and a handsome pavillion, lighted with gas, 
was erected on the Court House park. The first concert, Tuesday 
evening, July 15, was a great success, with large attendance from 
town and country. There was one concert a week. Everybody 



264 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

appreciated the music, and, during the performance, the people 
occupied seats on the hiwn, or promenaded the adjoining streets. It 
was a novel entertainment and thoroughly enjoyed. 

The following was the programme the first evening: 

1. Grand March— Knights of Pythias John Wilgard 

2. Overture— The Bridal Rose C. Lavallee 

3. Waltzes — Souvenir de Baden Bader N. Bousquet 

4. Selection — Jollitication Medley George Wilgard 

5. Flute Solo— Theme and Variation— Mr. Thompson Thornton 

6. Polka— hresistable William Welker 

Intermission. 

1. Selection— Medley of Latest Song E. Boetkger 

2. Watzes—" Haunting Eyes "—C. P'. J. Iveller Theodore Toban 

3. Gavatte— Brock's Amateur Orchestra Theodore Schaumberg 

4. Galop Vinea Cale Trichner 

The concerts were repeated the following year, 1888, with the 
eclat of the first season, brass music being introduced with the 
Orchestra, some thinking it an improvement, as it could be heard a 
greater distance. The last open air concert was given in 1891 , but with 
increased cost of about $400. After this they were not resumed ; their 
discontinuance being generally regretted. They were one of the 
most enjoyable features of our town's social life, and, being free, gave 
them great popularity. One of the most musical families of Doylestown, 
in the past, was the Frankenfields, seven sons all delighting in music. 
They had good voices and sang in church choirs and elsewhere. Two 
of them became instrumental teachers of considerable note, Samuel 
and Harry. Samuel began his musical life by playing in one of the 
Doylestown bands, and, in the 40' s, was the leader of a band here, 
but afterward went to Philadelphia and devoted himself to teaching 
instrumental music. He organized the "Philadelphia Band," one 
of the best in the city. He is since deceased. Harry's first experience 
was beating the tenor drum for the Doylestown Guards, and some- 
times playing the fife. He also went to Philadelphia, and, after the 
Civil War, in which he served, made music his profession — composing 
band music and instructing bands. In all he taught over two hundred 
bands, north and south. William, another member of the family, led 
the Methodist Episcopal church choir several years, and to his last 
illness. 

When the Doylestown Guards was reorganized at the firing on Fort 
Sumter, April, 1861, three of the young Frankenfields joined the com- 
pany and served in the Three Months' Campaign. While fording the 
Potomac, at Williamsport, the Frankenficld brothers began singing 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 265 

the Methodist hymn beginning, "I'm in the stream a drinking," and, 
when about half way across, the whole company joined in the chorus, 
and it was kept up until we stepped on the Virginia bank. The 
southern shore was lined with people, who seemed pleased and en- 
cored the singing. 

On the evening of July i, 1883, D. Baumann, Leonard Bute, 
Joseph Schurle, Christian Esser, Fred Wendt, Fred Bechlein, Albert 
Golle, Ernest Weaver, Ed. Carl, Jr., Enos Weiss, George Schroth, 
Dr. Charles Siegler and William Schoner, all Germans, living at Doy- 
lestown, met at Christian Esser' s tavern and organized a singing 
society. Ed. Carl, was elected president; Fred. Bechlein, secretary; 
Dr. Siegler, treasurer; and Augutus Siegler appointed teacher. The 
organization, called the " Msennerchoir, " was conducted purely as a 
singing society until July i, 1884, when the beneficial feature was en- 
grafted on it, the dues being fixed at fifty cents a month, benefits four 
dollars, during sickness; seventy-five dollars at death of member and 
forty dollars at death of wife. The combined societies were incorpor- 
ated March 17, 1887, with the title of " Doylestown Maennerchoir," the 
second article of the Constitution specifying its object to be the " Cul- 
tivation and elevation of the German song and music, and to assist the 
members in case of sickness and death." The first of April, 1889, the 
social feature was added to the society, and were its full history re- 
hearsed, many enjoyable balls and picnics would occupy a prominent 
place in it. For the present the society met at various places, in 
McGinty's building, Kane's hall, Tomlinson's building, and in the 
Fountain House hall. In June, 1894, the society bought a lot of the 
Taylor estate, corner of York and Donaldson streets, and erected a 
building at the cost of one thousand nine hundred and seventeen dol- 
lars, on which subsequent improvements were made at the additional 
expense of one thousand dollars. The society moved into its new 
quarters July 13, 1894. The present membership is eighty, dues sixty 
cents a month. The building is paid for, and a three hundred dollar 
surplus. The officers are president, vice president, treasurer and 
secretary. The meeting night is Thursday. This combination, music, 
social pleasures and the beneficial feature, makes a desirable or- 
ganization. 

The youngest musical organization, of Doylestown, grew out of 
a meeting held in the public school building, Friday evening, March 9, 
1900, by those "who believe vocal music can be fostered and aided 
best by united work and endeavor." About forty were present. 



266 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Hugh B. Eastburn called the meeting to order and suggested the 
name of Rev. J. R. Groff as temporary chairman and C. D. Hotch- 
kiss secretary. A Constitution and By-Laws were adopted and the 
name of " Doylestown Choral" fixed upon. It has two classes of 
members, "Active and Associate," and its affairs are managed by 
the following committees: Executive, Music and Admissions, and 
Professor William B. Godfrey, Philadelphia, was chosen leader. The 
permanent organization was effected at the second meeting, Friday 
evening, March i6, when twenty-eight signed the agreement to be- 
come active members: John A. Groff, C D. Hotchkiss, Eugene S. 
Shuman, Kate Shuman, L. F. Harris, Mary F. C. Paschall, Helen 
Buckman, F. M. VanLaverall, Blanche Hill, Alice Wodock, Lillian 
Yeager, Sara A. Hotchkiss, Ruth H. Perkins, Margaret D. Patterson, 
Eleanor H. Davis, Elizabeth A. Price, Lucy Switzer, L. J. Keeler, 
Reba N. E. Trego, Henry A. James, George MacReynolds, Frank J. 
Gerlitzki, Madeleine M. James, Mary H. S. Gerlitzki, Albertine W. 
Hotchkiss, Cabin S. Boyer, Jane Watson and Sophia P. Eastburn. 
After reading the minutes of the preliminary meeting, the report of 
the committee for nominating officers, reported the following: Presi- 
dent, Rev. J. R. Groff; Vice President, Hugh B. Eastburn; Secretary, 
Miss Louisa E. Butler; Treasurer, Miss Jane Watson. The president 
appointed the permanent committees, the active members signed the 
Constitution and By-Laws, and the permanent organization was 
completed. 

The first public concert of the Choral was given in Lenape Hall, 
Friday evening, June 8, 1900, assisted by Brock's Orchestra; Con- 
ductor, Prof. Wm. B. Godfrey; Pianist, Mrs. Madeleine Mai James, 
and George P. Brock leader of the Orchestra; and the following was 
the programme: 

Part i. 

1. Chorus — "The Belfry Tower." Nation 

2. " Greetings to the Doylestown Choral Union." Kohler 

Selection by the Orchestra. 

3. Chorus — " How Lovely are the Messengers." Mendelsohn 

4. Waltzes from "The Singing Girl." Langey 

5. Chorus — " The Miller's Wooing." Faning 

6. Soprano Solo — ■"' Barque of Dreams." — Mrs. Ella Heist-Bitting . Cray 

7. Male Choris— March "Onward." Geibel 

8. Medley Overtures — "The Hunnuer." Machil 

Part h. 

9. Chorus— " Gloria " from "Twelfth Mass." Mozart 

10. Entre Act— " Visians of the Ballet." Mark 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 267 

11. Bass Solo— "Son of Hyoriasthe Cretan."— Prof. Wm. B. Godfrey . Eliot 
„ f a. "Madeleine." Roeckel 

12. <-HORUSES— j ^^ ..jQj.g^,^^ gj^l^y j3^gj^j^^,, g„^^j.f 

!a. Spanish Dance Net^z 
b. Norwegian Dance .... Grieg 
c. Hungarian Dance Woeff 

Madeleine Mai James. 
Mary Nields Buckman. 

14. "The Spinning Chorus." — from "Flying Dutchman." .... Wagner 

Ladies Voices. 

15. March— from " The Rounders." Englanier 

16. "Bridal Chorus."— from " Rose Maiden." Cowen 

The choral continues its practice with an annual concert in April, 
in Lenape Hall. The quality of the music improves, from year to 
year, and an increased audience welcomes the concert. The member- 
ship has grown to two hundred and fifty, of which one hundred and 
twenty-five are on the active list. At the annual concert, Brock's 
Orchestra sustains its part with its usual spirit. 

Doylestovvn has lost none of its taste for music in the immediate 
past, or present. Constant attention is paid to it in the home circle 
and churches, and we are never without vocal and instrumental teachers. 
Very few dwellings, that can afford them, are without a piano or organ, 
some having both. Every church has an organ, some of them, cost- 
ing several thousand dollars, with choirs of more or less training, the 
Protestant Episcopal having introduced the processional with pleas- 
ing and beneficial effect. Vocal music is also taught in the public 
schools. Doylestown is not behind other towns of its size in musical 
culture. 

The early days of the kindred art, painting are as much obscured 
in Doylestown as music, few of its sons and daughters having 
worshipped at this shrine. In our research, we find that a portrait 
painter located here as early as 1804, one Daniel Farley, who, when 
he had nothing better to do, turned his hand to sign painting, glazing 
and hanging paper, " Coming from two cities," as he advertised, he 
should have been a success. 

Our most conspicuous artist was the late Samuel F. DuBois, son of 
Rev. Uriah DuBois, born here, 1805, and died, October 20, i88g. 
He passed the greater part of his long life in his native village, and 
did much to encourage art. His specialty was portrait painting at 
which he excelled. He exhibited such talent for this in his youth, his 
family sent him to SuUey to take lessons. A portrait he painted of 
himself, 1830, at the age of twenty-five, now hangs in the DuBois 
homestead, at Doylestown, the coloring apparently as fresh as when 



268 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

the brush was first appHed to the canvas. He had an attack of Cah- 
fornia fever, 1849, and his trunk was packed for the trip, but, the 
night before he was to leave his mother said to him on retiring, "Samuel, 
I would sleep better if you were not going away," whereupon the 
warm hearted son unpacked his trunk and staid at home. He be- 
came noted as a portrait painter and many of his portraits are in 
possession of the old families of Bucks and adjoining counties. He is 
said to have painted all the portraits that hung on the walls of the 
United States Mint, Philadelphia. In a local paper, of February 11, 
1835, he announced that he had " taken a room in the house belong- 
ing to S. Aaron, which he intends to occupy as a painting room for a 
few months." This was the house of his brother-in-law, the Rev. 
Samuel Aaron, on the northwest corner of State and Broad streets, 
now occupied by Miss Emma Smith. Mr. DuBois was also a musician 
of more than local celebrity and devoted many of his leisure hours to 
Paginini's favorite instrument. Doylestown owes much to his memory 
for his labors in l^ehalf of music and painting. A correspondent, of 
the Bucks County Intelligencer, of September i, 1857, writing of 
Mr. DuBois, as an artist, said: 

" It maj' be doulited if the Commonwealth, in which we live, 
has three artists superior to our townsman. His portraits are nature 
itself, standing forth in light and shade, in expression and feature. 
The coloring is excellent — the proportion exact. When fame shall 
take him in hand, and, under sanction of her nod, commend him to 
the world's admiration, he will not paint better — indeed there will be 
no need of it then, and he may not paint so well." 

hor several years Mr. DuBois divided his time between Doyles- 
town and Wilkesbarre, but, for the last twenty-five years of his life, 
lived continuously at Doylestown, occupying a small brick studio on 
Pine street between State and York. It is said his residence, at 
Wilkesbarre, was shortened by an unfortunate affair of the heart. He 
never married. Mr. DuBois introduced the Daguerreotype art into 
Doylestown, producing the likeness of many pretty girls and customers 
of more mature years. When this was succeeded by photography, 
he gave a portion of his time to it, and many of his productions are 
yet in possession of his friends. Not the least interesting piece of art,' 
from the brush of Mr. DuBois, still in Doylestown, is that of "Mac," the 
Mexican pony the author rode in the Civil War. It it true to nature, 
and, as one looks at the canvas in its frame, the good natured animal 
seems to invite its master to mount. 

In 1844, Mr. DuBois had a rival in portrait painting, where- 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 269 

from we know not, of the name of Mason. He took rooms adjoining 
Vasey's Green Tree tavern. How long he remained, or whither he 
went when he left, is not known. 

The coming of Thomas P. Otter, to Doylestown, in the eighties, 
did much for art in this community; but his talent and labors were not 
appreciated at their full value until after he was dead. He studied at 
the Philadelphia Academy, where his pictures were exhibited at the 
annual exhibition, one year a painting from his brush taking a pre- 
mium. He was a man of undoul)ted genius, and some of his pro- 
ductions, would not discredit any artist. His fort was probably land- 
scape painting, but he worked on several lines of art, was excellent in 
ink, and no mean carver in wood. He was a native of Montgomery 
county, but spent several years in Philadelphia. Mr. Otter returned 
to his native county in later years, and then came across into Bucks, 
settling at Vauxtown, almost a suburb of Doylestown, and subse- 
quently moved into the borough, residing here to his death, 1891. 
His talent was versatile, and his brush and pencil were ever ready to 
aid any worthy local enterprise. He did a great deal to encourage art 
at the county seat and vicinity, and its refining influences is still with 
us. His two sons and two daughters are artists in wood and oil, but 
neither of them follow it professionally. Had Mr. Otter possessed 
ambition and energy, equal to his talent, he would have made his 
mark in the art world. It is a misfortune, the same man is not 
always equipped with both genius and ambition. 

At various times somebody, given to art in some one line, has 
pitched his tent with us, and, on more than one occasion, 
the home of the artist was literally a " tent" and, for a time, plied his 
calling here. There has been no period of any length, in many years, 
when our borough did not have an artist in it, who could take a phiz, 
a la Daguerre, or by the photo art, and amateurs, likewise, are always 
with us. Edward A. Trego, son of the late Thomas W. Trego, de- 
ceased, is an artist of very considerable merit, although he does not 
follow it as a profession, and his son, a youth of twelve, gives promise 
of making his mark in art. There is a great deal of art in the Trego 
family, a brother, of Thomas W. , being a distinguished portrait painter, 
while a son of the latter is a noted military painter, having studied in 
Paris and is not excelled, if equalled in America. 

Summers A. Smith was one of the pioneers in the Daguerrian 
art at Doylestown. He opened a studio, about the close of the 
forties, or beginning of the fifties, in the second story of the Stuckert 



270 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

building, east side of North Main street. We do not know how long 
he remained there, but he moved thence up to " Germany," to a small 
frame on the lot whereon he subsequently built a brick dwelling. 
This was his home for several years, and here he carried on business. 
When photography took the place of Daguerr's process, Mr. Smith 
took it up but we do not know how long he continued it in Doyles- 
town. He subsequently established himself in the business in Phila- 
delphia, and we learn from an issue of the Doylestown Democrat, of 
February 8, 1859, that he had, at that time, a studio in the city. 

Mr. Smith was an enterprising man, and, while living at Doyles- 
town, imported the first Holstein cattle seen in this part of the country, 
making a trip to Holland for them, but the investment did not prove 
a success. At the same period Smith took Daguerreotypes in Doyles- 
town, a man, named John ' Young, was here engaged in the same 
occupation. 

About 1850, a young artist from New York, named Louis Lang, 
who had already made some reputation, spent part of a summer at 
Doylestown. Being quite a musician as well, he was introduced to a 
few of our musical families for whom he played. He was never here 
afterwards so far as I know, but I met him once in N. Y., 1863, at the 
Century Club in company with Leutze, Thomas Hicks and Kensette, 
all distinguished artists, Mr. Hicks was born at Newtown, this county. 



XXVII 
Our Military History. 

While Doylestovvn makes no pretension to anything, entitled to 
be called "military history," the author flatters himself, he will be 
able to group a few paragraphs on the subject, that will repay the 
reading. Our military history, as we understand it, in this connection, 
embraces the movement of troops from abroad in our immediate 
vicinity, the volunteer malitia that belong here, in peace or war, in- 
cluding our sem-military patriotic societies. 

In a previous chapter, we briefly narrated the modest part our 
village played in the war for independence; how General Lacey made 
it his headquarters in the winter of 1778, while keeping watch and 
ward over the Delaware-Schuylkill peninsula to prevent the British 
Light horse raiding the loyal farmers, and prohibiting those of lory pro- 
clivities, taking their marketing to the English troops in Philadelphia, 
and exchanging it for gold and silver; and the passing of the Con- 
tinental army, under Washington, through "Doyle Town," on the 
march from Valley Forge to strike the enemy at Monmouth, New 
Jersey, a pait of the force, stopping here over Sunday. 

More recently, we have learned, from Baker's Itinerary of General 
Washington, what throws additional light on the march of the Con- 
tinental army from Valley Forge, via Doylestown to New Jersey. 
This we copy verbatim, and the reader will find it highly interesting. 
Of this event Washington writes: 

Thursday, June 18. 

" At Valley Forge, Headquarters. Half after eleven, a. m., 18 June, I 
have the pleasure to inform Congress that I was this minute advised by Mr. 

271 



272 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Roberts that the enemy evacuated the city early this morning. I have put six 
brigades in motion, and the rest of the army are preparing to follow with all 
possible dispatches. We shall proceed towards Jersey and govern ourselves 
according to circumstances." Washington to the President of Congress. 

June i8. 

This day we learned the enemy had left Philadelphia. About 12 o'clock 
General Poor's, Varnons ( Varnums) and Huntington's Brigades (under General 
Lee) marched off. At three o'clock the 2d Pennsylvania and another Southern 
Brigade marched off; and we had orders with the rest of the whole army to 
march to-morrow morning at 5 o'clock. Journal of Ebenezer Wild. 

Friday, June. 19. 

Leaves Valley Forge. "The enemy evacuated Philadelphia, on the iSth 
instant. At ten o'clock that day I got intelligence of it, and by two o'clock, or 
soon after, had six Ijrigades on their march for the Jerseys, and followed with 
the whole army next morning." Washington to John Augustine Washington, 
July 4, 1778. 

Satukdav, June 20. 

At Doylestown, Pennsylvania: " I am now with the main body of the army 
within ten miles of Coryell's Ferry. General Lee is advanced with six brigades, 
and will cross (the Delaware) to-night or to-morrow morning. 1 shall enter 
the Jerseys to-morrow. Washington to General Gates. 

"The Doylestown of 1778 was a cross-roads hamlet, about ten miles from 
Coryell's Ferry on the Delaware (now New Hope,) consisting of a tavern kept 
by William Doyle, and several small houses, Washington pitched his tent near 
the dwelling of Jonathan P'ell, late John G. Mann's farm house, just east of the 
present borough. The Doylestown of 1892, the county seat of Bucks county, 
Pennsylvania, is a town of three thousand inhabitants." 

Sunday, June 21. 

At Doylestown: " The whole army is advancing to the Delaware. We 
have been much impeded by rain. The troops with General Lee crossed the 
river last night." Washington to General Arnold. 

Monday, June 22. 

" At Coryell's Ferry," (now Lambertville, ) New Jersey: "I have the 
honor to inform you that I am now in New Jersey, and that the troops are pass- 
ing the river at Coryell's, and are mostly over. We have been a good deal 
impeded in our march by rainy weather. As soon as we have cleaned the arms, 
and can get matters in train, we propose moving towards Princeton." Wash- 
ington to the President of Congress. 

June 22. 

"The whole army encamped near the meeting house; having got word the 
enemy were moving towards Trenton, the army marched next morning to- 
ward tl. em, and encamped at Hopewell, the enemy having altered their route 
wards Monmouth " Diary of Jo.seph Clark. 

No other movement, of a military character, at or near Doylestown, 
took place for the third of a century, until the difficulty between the 
United States and Great Britain broke out and led to the war of 181 2- 
'15. A |)ublic meeting; was then called at the tavern of Enoch Harvey 
to organize an Artillery company, but ncHhing came of the sporadic 
effort of patriotism. After Congress had declared war, another meet- 
ing was held at Magill's tavern the evening of July 12, 1S12, and a 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 273 

second effort was made to organize an Artillery company. " Men of 
spirit and enterprise " were invited to come forward, enrol their names, 
study the art of war, and resolve to live as freemen, or die in defence 
of the liberties of the country," but there is no evidence that anybody 
" come forward." The second effort was likewise abortive. 

Even after war had been declared by the United States, against 
Great Britain, some time elapsed before any active steps were taken 
in this community to sustain the goverment in its war policy. The 
first meeting at Doylestown, was held in the Court house, July 4, 
1814, to " give forth some expression of public opinion concerning 
the situation of the country." After prayer, by the Rev. Thomas B. 
Montanye, who came up from Southampton to be present, John Pugh 
was called to the chair and John F'ox appointed secretary. The meet- 
ing being organized, the following exercises followed: Willian Watts 
read the Declaration of Independence, the Rev. Uriah DuBois, the 
President's Message to Congress, of June i, 1812, Mathias Morris de- 
livered an oration, and the Hon. Samuel D. Ingham submitted a 
I)reamble and resolutions, expressive of the sense of the meeting touch- 
ing the recent declaration of war, the situation of the country, and 
the obligation of the people to defend it. 

In the meantime, a reminder, that war actually existed, came 
home to the people of the county seat. On March 22, 1814, twenty- 
five British officers, prisoners of war, passed through Doylestown on 
their way to Philadelphia to be confined in the Penitentiary. They were 
in charge of a detachment of Light Dragoons and Infantry, under Major 
Asa B. Sizer. The prisoners came from Pittsfield, Mass., and, among 
them, were Colonel Clench, of the militia, and Major Valette of De 
Watteville's regiment. 

After the burning of the capitol, and other public buildings at 
Washington, by the British in 1814, and their threatened attack on 
Philadelphia, Doylestown' s patriotism was fully aroused; the war was 
coming too near home to be treated with indifference. The news reached 
Doylestown on the Monday morning of September court, and, when 
court opened, John Fox, Deputy- Attorney General, made a brief ad- 
dress and moved the court do adjourn. The judge on the bench. Bird 
Wilson, would not assent to this and the business went on, but Fox, and 
^Villiam W. Hart, another young Attorney, uncle of the author, threw 
down their briefs, abandoned their profession and entered the military 
service; the foi'mer as Aid-de-camp on the staf? of General Worrell, 



274 DOYI.ESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

the latter as Adjutant of Colonel Thomas Humphrey's regiment of 
Riflemen. 

By this time the patriotic spirit of DoyleFtown was touched in a 
tender spot; the war was coming too near home to be longer neglected. 
William Magill now stepped forward and organized a company of 
volunteer riflemen, called the "Bucks County Rangers," for a three 
months campaign on the lower Delaware. They left Doylestown on 
Wednesday morning, September 21, in full uniform, sixty-six strong 
for camp Dupont, near Wilmington, Delaware. The Pennsylvania 
Correspondent , of Doylestown, of the 26th, gives the following ac- 
count of the departure of the company: "The preceding day the 
ladies of the village, married and single, with a cheerfulness and 
alacrity and spirit tliat entitle them to the highest praise, assembled at 
the Court House to finish lacing the clothing of their friends, whose 
zeal had induced the association. When paraded, they marched in 
single file to the Court House, separating to the right and left as they 
entered the court room. In the presence of a numerous audience, 
the Rev. U. DuBois delivered an address, concluding with an invo- 
cation of the "blessings of Heaven on the enterprise." 

The following is a copy of the company's roll after it was 
mustered in: Captain, William Magill; First Lieutenant, William 
W. Hart; Second Lieutenant, Hare; Ensign, Eder. 

James Robinson, Isaac Stelle, Arcturus Todd, Joseph Mathews, 
David Evans, Benjamin Robinson, William Harrar, John Heath, John 
M. Kinney, Joseph Anderson, John Bear, Robert Barclay, Paul Brun- 
ner, Nicholas Cisler, John Dennisson, John W. Doyle, William Den- 
nisson, Isaac Dunlap, Joseph Engles, John Everit, Christian Fritz- 
inger, Joseph Fries, David Fell, Jacob Fries, Gooden G. Hall, Benja- 
min Hare, Septemus Harrar, Samuel Hughes, Samuel Hubbert, Benja- 
min James, Mason James, Joseph James, Andrew Kirkpatrick, Jesse 
Lacey, Ephraim Lewis, William Marshall, Daniel Mcintosh, Sem 
Moyers, Nathan Makinstry, Benjamin S. Mann, Isaac B. Medary, 
John Morris, Daniel Markley, William Megoken, William E. Patter- 
son, James Picker, Christian Ruth, Antliony Rich, Samuel Rodman. 
Job Simpson, Samuel Smith, John W. Stover, John Swartzlander, 
Morgan N. Thomas, William Thomas, John Toy, Philip Trumbower, 
Mark Tanner, John Williams, Jonathan Wood, Joseph Pool, John 
Whittenham, Robert Roberts, .Samuel Horn, William Horn, John F. 
Daniels, Joseph Hunter and Robert Patterson. 

Captain Magill' s company, at the close of the campaign, reached 




u 

c/) 

D 
O 

> 
> 

< 

X 
w 

H 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 275 

home about the middle of December, and was discharged, but did not 
receive their pay. There was a hitch in the payment of the troops, and 
the company met in the Court House to see what steps should be 
taken, to accelerate it. Colonel Louis Bache being chairman, and Major 
Thomas G. Kenneday, secretary. The meeting found the fault lay 
with the Paymaster- General of the Arm)', for non-payment, and Colonel 
Bache, Major VVm. Watts and Major John Fox were appointed a 
committee to address a memorial to the President, setting forth their 
grievences, and asking for redress. The troops were paid in October, 
some of them at Doylestown, including the compau}' of Phineas 
Kelley, at the Mansion House. 

The war of i8i2-'i5 stimulated the organization of volunteer 
companies and the military spirit increased throughout the county. 
Captain Magill's Bucks County Rangers was in commission several 
years, but he probably resigned, meanwhile, as we find William T. 
Rogers in command, in 1823. After Captain Magill left the Rangers, 
he organized a company of " Volunteer Artillerists " at Doylestown, 
which he commanded to his death, 1824, when the arms were called 
in and delivered to his widow, October 17, 1828, and the company 
disbanded. 

In 1822, Doylestown had a company of volunteers called " Inde- 
pendent Artillerists" organized the preceding fall and winter. It met 
at the Court House, January 24, was inspected by Brigade Inspector 
Samuel A. Smith, and ofificers elected: Captain, Joseph Hair; first 
Lieutenant, Anthony Ricli, and second Lieutenant, Peter Opp. The 
uniform was adopted at a meeting held at Jacob Kohl's tavern, Doy- 
lestown, March 6, 1822, consisting of a blue "round-about" jacket, 
single breasted, three rows of guilt bullet buttons in front, trimmed 
with yellow cord, plain blue pantaloons, black leather stock and black 
leather cap, comforming to the pattern worn by the United States 
Army, each member to furnish his own uniform.' 

The 4th of July, 1822, was observed at Doylestown by a military 
celebration in the Court House. Major Francis B. Shaw was the 
orator, and a dinner provided in the woods east of the Presbyterian 
church, the tables being furnished with necessary viands and liquors. 
A newspaper of the town, in speaking of the occasion, says: 

' ' The welcome morning was ushered in by the ringing of the bells, 



I W'hat became of this company ? Was it the one whose arms were turned 
in at the Mansion House ? Magill was captain of the " Doylestown Artillerists" in 
1824, the 3-ear of his death, when they celebrated the 4th of July at Opp's tavern, 
now the Clear Spring hotel. These two companies of the long ago may have 
gotten nii.xed. 



276 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

and thunder from the cannon. The county hall, (Court House), the 
afternoon previous, had been decorated in a style the most enchanting 
for rural scenery and displaying in point of effect admirably approp- 
riate to the occasion. The interior was darkened with the tall green 
forest of spruce, and laurels most beautifully disposed. The large fold- 
ing doors, at the entrance of the hall, were thrown wide and the citizens 
passed in under wreathed arches of laurals. Every window in the 
hall was ornamented in the same manner. The large semi-circular 
recess, occupied by the Judge's bench, was adorned in the most im- 
posing style. The back ground presented a thick forest, showing, 
in some degree, the mist of distances, over which was seen towering in 
bolder approach a grand arch about twenty-one feet, from point to point, 
in its base and about ten feet to its centre, formed of the richest foliage 
by the laurel, and upon which was displayed, at the equal distance, 
the thirteen stars, with radiance of seven inches, representing the thir- 
teen states that united in that Declaration of Independence, Pennsyl- 
vania being the key and centre, and, immediately under the centre, in 
large letters and figures appeared, "July the Fourth, '76." 

For many years Doylestown was the military centre of the county; 
there. was great activity in military circles, new companies were organ- 
ized, old ones drilled and numerous meetings held to stimulate the 
movement. On November 17, 1821, the commissioned ofificers, of 
the volunteers and militia of the county, met at Doylestown to take 
action toward forming a " Militar}' Society," to assemble once or twice 
a year to improve the members in military tactics. The meeting was 
held at what is now the Fountain flouse, then kept by David D. 
Marple, the chairman being Captain John Davis, Southamption. 

The first step, toward organizing the " Union Troop of Cavalry," 
one of the finest companys of horse in the state, was taken at a public 
meeting held at the " Indian Queen " tavern, later the "Ross 
Mansion," June 20, 1822, John Robbarts was chairman and William 
Field, secretary. It was resolved to form a company to be called the 
"Doylestown Cavalry." The meeting adjourned to meet at the 
public house of Francis Gurney Lukens, Newville, Warrington town- 
ship, August 17. Officers were elected prior to November 7, for, on that 
day, the company met at the Cross Keys, a mile above Doylestown, 
" fully uniformed and equipped," probably the company's first appear- 
ance in martial array. John Robbarts was the first captain. The 
name of the company was changed to ' ' Uni(ni Troop of Cavalry ' ' about 
1824, this nanic first appearing in the advertisement for the May train- 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 277 

ing of that spring. On a card attached to the old flag of the Union 
Troop, presented to the Bucks County Historical Society, by the ex- 
ecutor of Major James S. Mann, its last captain, is the following: 
" Organized Octobers, 1823." This is an error in date. George H. 
Pawling was elected captain to succeed Robbarts, May, 1831. Among 
the captains, of this troop, were Joseph Archambault, who succeeded 
Pawling, Lambert Lashley and James S. Mann, the last, Archambault 
was a Frenchman, a member of Napoleon's household, was with him 
at Waterloo, and left for dead on the field. He went with the Em- 
peror to St. Helena, and was the officer who broke his sword across 
his knee throwing the pieces into the sea, rather than give them to the 
English. He subsequently came to this country, spending most of 
his life in Bucks county, and dying in Philadelphia. The troop was dis- 
banded in the Civil War period. 

John Robbarts died at New Britain, December 28, 1844, aged 
about seventy. Some mystery hangs over his memory. He was an 
Englishman, and followed the sea when a boy; deserted that service 
for the American; became a trustworty sea captain, and long com- 
manded one of Stephen Girard's vessels. In 1813, during our second 
war with England, he commanded a private armed ship called the 
"Jacob Jones" of sixteen guns and seventy-four men, and sailed out of 
Boston. He took a number of prizes. He settled in New Britain in 
1 8 19, and spent the rest of his life there. 

About 1820, three or four companies of volunteers, of .Doylestown 
and vicinity, were organized into a battalion, and Stephen Brock 
elected Major. It was subsequently known as the " Centre Union 
Battalion," and, in September, 1824, took part in the reception of 
Lafayette at Philadelphia. It rendezvoused at Willow Grove, proceed- 
ing thence to Frankford, where it joined the escort to the city. 
The Bucks County Rangers belonged to this battalion. Washington's 
birthday, 1824, was celebrated at Doylestown on Saturday, February 
21, by the Union troop, Captain Robbarts. The members, and in- 
vited guests, sat down to a banquet at Marple's tavern. Captain 
Robbarts presiding, assisted by Lieutenants George W. Pawling and 
William McHenry, Cornet William VanHorn and Trumpeter John 
Smith. The Doylestown band was present. 

Among the military from Northampton county, which participated 
in the welome, and reception of Lafayette at Philadelphia, September 
24, 1824, were four companies from Easton, those of Captains David 
D. Wagener, A. H. Reeder, the "Citizen Volunteers," Captain 



278 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Jacob Weyandt, and one other. They went down the Delaware in 
Durham boats, marching home up the Easton road, and stopping over 
night at Doylestown. The present Fountain House was made head- 
quarters, the officers and men being quartered there and at private 
houses. Captain Reeder became prominent as a lawyer and politician. 
The battalion was accompanied by a wagon, loaded with "creature 
comforts" for the home trip, and, with it, was a boy, named Abraham 
Garron, who afterward settled at Doylestown, and spent his life here, 
dying 1892. 

At a military election held July 7, 1828, for Major-General of the 
division, John Fox, of Doylestown, was elected over Mahlon Dungan, 
Fox polling twenty-four votes and Dungan eleven. Fox did not 
qualify and never held an office outside of his profession. 

In the period of which we write, there was much visiting among 
military companies, and many excursions made. In June, 1830, the 
State Fencibles, a crack company of Philadelphia, Captain James 
Page, made an excursion to Easton and Bethlehem, accompained by 
Frank Johnson's celebrated negro band. They marched up the 
Easton road, reaching Doylestown the morning of the 22d, the people 
of the village entertaining them at breakfast at Field's tavern. That 
through with, the company reformed and marched through the 
streets leaving for Easton at eight o'clock. They returned home 
down the Delaware in a Durham boat. George Dorflf, a member of 
the company, died at Easton from the effect of drinking cold water 
when overheated. On August 29, 1822, the field and company 
officers, of the Bucks County Brigade, met at Doylestown, were 
drilled by Colonel John Davis, for which he was given a vote of thanks. 
In 1830, Doylestown had a company of infantry called "Union 
Cadets," Stephen Brock, captain, which met at the Court Inn, kept 
by Charles Morris, but was so short lived it left no record behind, ex- 
cept this brief mention. At this time Doylestown could boast of a 
military band, of which David E. Gibson was captain, and, two years 
after, Joseph H. Purdy was treasurer. 

The execution of Mina, June 21, 1832, for the murder of Dr. Wil- 
liam Chapman, of Bensalem, brought out a finer display of military 
than Doylestown had ever seen, before or since. The occasion was 
made a gala day, the long procession of citizens and soldiers escort- 
ing the culprit to the gallows, on the Alms House farm, as if he were 
a conquering hero, instead of a miserable criminal. The military 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 279 

force consisted of twelve or fifteen hundred handsomely equipped 
Volunteers, six companies of Cavalry and fourteen of Infantry. 

The issue of the Democrat of November i, 1833, makes the fol- 
lowing mention of a visiting troop : 

' ' A handsome troop of cavalry, from the neighborhood of Phila- 
delphia, arrived in our village on Monday evening last, and early next 
morning set off for Easton, escorted by a number of our citizens on 
horseback. They were under command of Captain Franklin Vansant, 
made a handsome and imposing appearance, and seemed to be well- 
versed in military tactics. They visited Bethlehem and AUentown, 
returning by way of Quakertown, to Doylestown, and left Saturday 
morning for their homes, well pleased with the excursion." 

Saturday, September 6, 1834, Doylestown had a visit from the 
military company of New Hope, the " Independent Volunteers," 
Captain George Merrick. They paraded through the streets, fore- 
noon and afternoon, and quartered at Field's Mansion House. The 
Intelligencer said of them : 

" The uniform of the company is very neat; their accoutrements 
in excellent order; and they displayed a knowledge of military exer- 
cise that reflected credit upon them and their drill ofificers." 

In 1836 an effort was made to organize a troop of cavalry in 
Doylestown, and Thomas Ross was chairman of a meeting held for 
that purpose, but the movement was not successful. 

This was the period of crack companies for the girls to date on, 
and men and women to be proud of, and the county capital had her's 
in the " Doylestown Grays." It was organized in 1835, the first 
meeting bemg held at the Green Tree Tavern, Saturday evening, 
September 12. The original ofificers were Captain Charles H. 
Mathews, first Lieutenant, Pugh Dungan and second Lieutenant, 
Asher Cox. The company made its first appearance in uniform Oct- 
ober I in a street parade at home, presenting a handsome appearance. 
The uniform was gray cloth; the cap, glazed leather; the men wore 
leather stocks to keep the head up and straps under their boots to 
keep the trousers down. Think of marching to glory thus hampered 
at the present day ! 

The Grays played its alloted part and played it reasonable well; 
parading the streets of the borough, visiting military trainings and 
encampments, including camps Washington and Jefferson in this 
county, 1837 and 1838, and camp Cadwallader, Easton, 1842. On 



28o DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

the latter occasion the company went up the Delaware canal in a pass- 
enger boat, returning the same way, Abraham Garron, the sutler driv- 
ing the baggage wagon up the Easton road loaded with camp luxuries. 
The author remembers, when a boy, of seeing the Grays at the 
trainings down county, and he has not forgotten with what awe 
he looked upon the company. The Grays and the Union Troop 
paraded the streets of Doylestown, on Washington's birth day, 1838, 
and supped at Field's in the evening. The Intelligencer in speaking 
of the appearance of the company, says: 

"The Grays, on this occasion, manifested their usual neatness 
and military spirit. Their captain, Henry Chapman, Esq., appeared 
for the first time in uniform, and took command of the company. 
His military ' contour ' showed that he duly appreciated the honor 
the company had conferred on him in selecting him for their com- 
mander; and while it had ' stuck a feather in his cap ' we observed the 
other officers, Dungan and Brock likewise, had one placed in theirs." 

When the call was made for volunteers, at the out-break of the 
Mexican War, 1846, the Grays offered their services, but was not 
accepted, the offers far exceeding the number authorized. Charles 
H. Mann was then captain and under him the company's name was 
changed to ' ' Doylestown Guards, ' ' and a regulation uniform adopted. 
In 1858, W. W. H. Davis was elected captain, and in command 
when the Civil War bioke out, 1861. It was the first company in the 
county that offered its services, was accepted, and served through the 
three months' campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. To meet this 
emergency, the ranks were filled up and it was reorganized. On its 
return home the company was disbanded, but furnished forty of its 
rank and file for commissioned officers of other commands during the 
great war that followed.'' 

A company of artillery was organized at Doylestown, 1844; at 
first called " Keystone Artillerists," the name afterward changed to 
" Diller Artillerists," and Abel M. Griffith, a member of the bar, 
elected captain. It was armed with a brass six-pounder and muskets. 
On the death of Griffith, Peter Opp, Doylestown, succeeded him as 
captain, August 7th. 

He had just returned from the Mexican War, having served in 



2 The services of the company were offered to Governor Ciirtin, April 15th, 
and accepted on the 1 8th, as per followinjj despatch: " Harrisburg, April 18, 
1861. To INIajor W. W. H. Davis: Your company is accepted, and will await 
orders." (.Signed) "K. C. Hale." 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 281 

Colonel Wynkoop's ist Pa. regiment. The Doylestown Grays 
escorted him into town, Dr. Charles H. Mathews welcoming him 
in a speech from the porch of the Mansion House. -^ W. W, H. 
Davis was next elected captain of the company, but it was soon dis- 
banded and the arms turned into the state arsenal. 

Camp Jackson, at Doylestown, August, 1843, was one of the 
best military displays ever made in the county in time of peace. The 
tents were pitched on part of the Exhibition Grounds on the Lower 
State road; commanded by Major-General John Davis, and the force 
under arms — about eight hundred. Captain Alden Partridge was 
military instructor, and delivered a lecture each evening. The camp 
lasted four days. The attendance of spectators, on a single day, was 
estimated at twenty thousand. 

The last military display at Doylestown, under the old volunteer 
militia regime, was on September i, 1846. This was the fall parade 
of the " Centre Union Battalion," with some visiting companies. 
The following were present: The Union Troop, Captain Joseph 
Archambault; Lafayette Blues, Captain Williams; Lambertville 
Cadets, Captain Kohl; Independent Rifle Greens, Captain Swartz- 
lander; Nockamixon Infantry, Captain Rutledge Thornton; Diller 
Artillerists, Captain Abel Griffith, and Doylestown Grays, Captain 
Charles H. Mann. Major Charles H. Mathews commanded the 
Battalion and W. W. H. Davis acted as Adjutant. The line was 
formed on East Court street, the right resting on Pine, and facing 
south, whence they marched to a field out of town on the State Road, 
where the Battalion was reviewed by Brigadier- General John S. 
Bryan. 

During the railroad riots, several years ago, a new company was 
organized under the name of ' ' The Naglee Rifles ' ' to assist in quell- 
ing the disturbance, but was not called upon. It subsequently entered 
the state National Guard, and is still in this service, known as Com- 
pany G, 6th Regiment, and was recently commanded by Captain John 
O. J. Shellenberger, Doylestown; and has been represented in active 
service; in peace and war, and always with credit. 

During the century, just closed, Doylestown had eight volunteer 

3 On the 5th of August, 1848, General Robert Patterson, Colonel Francis 
M. Wynkoop and Lieutentant-Colonel Black, of the First Pennsylvania, and 
Captain Davis, of the Massachusetts regiment, all just returned from the Mexi- 
can War, visited Doylestown. A Democratic mass meeting liad been called, 
and they were invited to attend it. The speakers' platform was erected on the 
Court House grounds, in front of the old jail, from which the returned officers 
addressed the audience. 



282 DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 

companies, belonging to the village, and local organizations in every 
sense; the Bucks County Rangers, Volunteer Artillerists, Independent 
Artillerists, Union Troop of Cavalry, Union Cadets, Doylestown 
Grays-Guards, Diller Artillerists and Company G, 6th Regiment, the 
survivor of the group. The war of i8i2-'i5, with England, stimulated 
volunteer organizations, and, within the next ten years, the county had 
over twenty uniformed, and equipped companies, organized in two 
regiments and two Battalions, and were maintained with spirit for over a 
quarter of a century. In 1830 there were thirty-four volunteer com- 
panies in the county, and when the Civil War broke out there were still 
ten organized volunteer companies in the county, of which only two re- 
organized and entered the military service, the Doylestown Guards, 
and the company of Joseph Thomas, Applebachville. The war killed 
the remainder, and no attempt has been made to revive the volunteer 
system. In its place, the state has a National Guard organization, a 
compact, well-officered and well disciplined body of eight thousand 
men, which responds, with alacrity, to every call. The change is 
probably better for both offensive and defensive purposes, but it does 
little, if anything, to encourage the military spirit of the state, and 
seemingly calls in question, indirectly, if not directly, the right of the 
people to " bear arms," as is guaranteed in the Federal Constitution, 

The last occasian, the goverment called for volunteers to sustain 
the flag, was in the Spanish- American war, 1898, when Doylestown fur- 
nished the Naglee Rifles, the ofBcers of the company being B. Frank 
A tier. Captain; C. A. Vandegrift, First Lieutenant, and William 
Black, Second Lieutenant. They served a few months at a camp of 
instruction in Virginia, and, when no longer required, were sent home 
and mustered out. For the same war, two young men, of Doylestown, 
enlisted in the First Regiment U. S. Volunteer Engineers, Abel 
MacRcynolds and John Ely. They saw service in Porto Rico, where 
young Ely contracted a fever from exposure, of which he died after 
his return home, October 11, 1898, in his twenty-second year."* 

The last military display in Doylestown, by home troops, not of 
the borough, was the encampment of a couple of regiments of Penn- 
sylvania Sons of Veterans, opened on Saturday, June, 14, 1902, and 
broke up the following Friday, the 20th. The number under canvas 
was about seven hundred, and their drilling and discipline highly 

4 John Ely was the son of the late Sheriff Samuel L. Ely, and grandson of 
General John Ely, Colonel Twenty-Third Pa. Regiment in the Civil War. He 
was an excellent young man, and much respected. 



DOVLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 283 

creditable. On Thursday they paraded the streets of the borough 
and presented a handsome appearance. The force consisted of 
Cavalry and Infantry and four light brass field pieces. The order held 
a convention, in Lenape Hall, Tuesday Morning and in the evening, 
gathered there about a camp fire, with vocal and instrumental music 
and addresses. They pitched their tents in what was known as 
" Taylor's Field," now the south edge of the borough, near the jail, 
and called it Camp Alexandra, after their Commander-in-Chief. Colonel 
R. M. J. Reed was in command, assisted by Lieutenant-Colonel E. 
Kochersperger, Major George W. Fritz, Major Charles E. Stover, 
Major R. T. Hart and a numerous staff. During the stay of the Sons 
of Veterans, the public and many private buildings were handsomely 
decorated, and the attractions brought many strangers to town. The 
order, organized from the first on a military bases, was started in 
Philadelphia, 1879. The number of Posts in the state is upward of 
two hundred, and their object to keep green the memory of their 
fathers, sacrificed for the preservation of the Union, and to culti- 
tivate the spirit of patriotism. The flag and the Union are their two 
objective points and watch words and, on these lines, the Sons of 
Veterans are doing good. 



XXVIII 
Beneficial Societies. 

Next to the church and school beneficial and kindred societies 
challenge support from a community. The assistance they render the 
sick and afflicted, and the good they do their members on other lines, 
can hardly be estimated by the h'equency of their ministrations, or 
computed by figures. In this respect, Doylestovvn has kept abreast 
with other boroughs of the same size, and doubtless ahead of many. 
We have been blest with such societies from an early day, all treading 
the same path and gaining laurels by alleviating distress. 

The first, and oldest of these societies, making their home in 
Doylestown, was the Benevolent Lodge ' of Masons, No. i88, organ- 
ized 1819. Their place of meeting was the grand jury room in the 
old Court House, and Lewis Def^ebach, editor of the Democrat, was 
secretary. Of its history we know but little, its record never having 
fallen into our hands. It was in working order until some time in the 
30's of the last century, when the excitement, attending the " Anti 
Masonic period," caused the lodge to be turned out of its quarters in 
the Court House. This led to its dissolution, and it was never re- 
organized. 

On July 24, 1820, the Benevolent Lodge with members of neigh- 
boring lodges, had a celebration at Doylestown that was numerously 
attended. Forming in procession, and led by the Southampton band 



I While the Masonic order is not considered, a beneficial society, strictly 
speakinj^, we have so classed it here because its charities and beneficence are 
generous and far reaching; and administered, so quietly and unostentatiously, 
they never reach the public ear. 

284 



DOVLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 285 

of music, with Mathias Morris, Chief Marshall, they marched round 
the public grounds, and then to the Presbyterian church. After 
religious services, the Rev. William B. Ashton, officiating, the meet- 
ing closed with prayer and singing the 33d Psalm. The procession 
now returned to the Court House, where a couple of short addresses 
were delivered, and the affair was over. 

The successor and descendant, of the Benevolent Lodge, was the 
Doylestown Lodge, F. & A. M., 245, organized, 1850. A warrant 
was granted for its institution, August 27, to William Carr, Stephen 
Brock, Abraham Morris, Josiah Rich, John Mcintosh, John D. James, 
William Fry, John S. Bryan, Caleb E. Wright and Jonas Ott. The 
warrant, for Benevolent Lodge, was lost for many years, but found, 
quite recently, among some family papers of the late Ste[)hen Brock. 
The first stated meeting, under the new warrant, was held September 
16, 1850, and the following the first officers elected : John William 
Fry, Worshipful Master; Josiah Rich, Senior Warden; Caleb E. 
Wright, Junior Warden; Stephen Brock, Treasurer; and William 
Carr, Secretary. The first person elected a member of this lodge, 
after its organization, was the late Dr. O. P. James, of Doylestown, 
the subsequent accession of members being quite rapid, and, on its 
fifteenth anniversary, the membership had reached one hundred and 
sixty-eight, and, in this time, there had been fifty-one Worshipful 
Masters. Among other officers was the late Hiram Lukens who 
filled the office of secretary of the lodge from December 27, 1858 to 
November 20, 1897. Mr. Lukens was one of the most devoted mem- 
bers of the lodge, and was never absent from a meeting if it could be 
avoided. In this regard he set an example it would be well for others 
to follow. In the list of members, were twenty-two whose descend- 
ants became Masons. The total receipts, in fifty years, reached the 
sum of $39,096.84, almost entirely from payment of fees and dues of 
members. 

Although the Benevolent Lodge was not a benevolent organ- 
ization, the Doylestown Lodge has found many ways of exercising 
charity and relieving distress. Since the lodge was instituted, it has 
had but two homes. In the beginning it held meetings in the old 
" Temperance Hall on the north side of East State street, now occu- 
pied by Francis Brothers, and in Beneficial Hall," its present quarters 
purchased 1857, for $2,500. Since that time it has expended $1,500 
in improvements and refurnishing. The late Dr. O. P. James was 
treasurer from December 27, 1S63, to February 19, 1894, and was the 



286 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

first to be initiated. When Doylestown Lodge was founded, the only 
other Masonic Lodge in the county was at Bristol, but, since that 
time, lodges have been organized at Newtown, Ouakertown and Sellers- 
ville, in this county, and at Hatboro and Lansdale near neighbors in 
Montgomery. John Mcintosh, who had been a member and officer 
of the Benevolent, was buried from the former lodge room in the 
old Court House, while the Masonic Hall was being repaired. Among 
those in attendance, was Dr. James S. Rich, also a former member of 
the Benevolent, who is reported to have said when all were assem- 
bled, " This reminds me of old times." 

In the past sixty years, three lodges of Odd Fellows, of which 
two are in working order, have been organized in Doylestown, The 
oldest of these, the Doylestown Lodge, No. 94, was instituted March 
30, 1844, at a special meeting of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 
held in the Court House, in the absence of any other proper place. 
The following officers and members of the Grand Lodge were present 
and officiated at the ceremony: John C. Yeager, grand master, occu- 
pied the chair, and was assisted by charter members, P. G. Enoch, 
H. Shearer, John G. Michener, William Limeburner, William Bryan, 
Rutledge Thornton and David H. Gaucher. After the organization of 
the new lodge had been effected, the following officers and members 
were elected at the same meeting: N. G., David H. Gaucher; V. G. , 
Rudedge Thornton; Secretary, John G. Michener; Assistant Secre- 
tary, Enoch H. Shearer; Treasurer, William Limeburner; and 
members, Charles Wigton, O. G. Lunn, Robert A. Bayard, William 
Kachline, Jacob Shade, Levi L. Closson, Joseph Young, Samuel 
SoUiday and RoI)ert Stoneback. These were duly initiated to member- 
ship, and Daniel Thomas of Franklin Lodge, Frankford, No. 5, was 
chosen the representative to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The 
same night the following persons were proposed for membership: 
George H. Michener, taylor; Elijah Co.x, John D. Brunner and 
Charles Mas.sey. They now adjourned until Monday evening, April 
15, to meet in the Academy. The lodge paid no benefits the first 
year. 

Among the members of this lodge was William S. Black, a native 
of this county, a printer, who learned his trade in the Democrat office, 
under John S. Bryan, and was probably an apprentice when initiated. 
When last heard from he was living at Harrisburg. A meeting, held 
June 3d, was adjourned to hold the next stated meeting on the loth, 
" in the new lodge room." The minutes of this meeting were headed, 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 287 

"New Lodge Room," and while its location is not given, it was in 
the attic of the " Limeburner building," on the east side of South 
Main street, next door to Mrs. Walton's, lately occupied by Mrs. 
Stone. On June 24, the lodge was visited by Grand Master 
John C. Yeager accompanied by several brothers, from Philadelphia, 
and, at the request of the lodge, brother William H. Wittee delivered 
an " al)le and deeply interesting address, setting forth the advantages 
arising from the order, its benign and healthhil influence on society, 
and the moral and religious effect upon its members. " As Mr. Wit- 
tee was one of the best public speakers in the state, no doubt the ad- 
dress was a very fine one. The thanks of the lodge were tendered 
him. At the meeting held September 14, about forty members were 
present. Down to this time the lodge had expended in furniture, &c. , 
&c. , some $250, and, besides this outlay, had given a mortgage on 
their hall for $600. Where this hall was located seems not to be 
known. 

After the Aquetong Lodge had fitted up the attic of the Acad- 
emy, in the winter of 1848, the Doylestown Lodge, No. 94, rented 
the priviledge of meeting in the same room, paying a rental of $30. 
A dispensation, to change their quarters to the Academy, was received 
at a meeting held March iS, and, at the same meeting, Thomas W. 
Gaucher, of 193, was elected outside janitor. The Doylestown 
Lodge moved into their new quarters about April i. From that time 
the lodges continued to occupy these quarters, until the Academy was 
torn down to make room for the handsome new school building erected 
on the lot, when they removed to their new quarters in Lenape Build- 
ing. This was July i, 1875, in order that mechanics might go to 
work in taking down the Academy. 

The new lodge room in the Academy was opened for public in- 
spection the afternoon of March 21, a large number of visitors being 
present. The Bucks County Intelligencer of the next day, in speak- 
ing of the new lodge room said: 

"At one end, a fine painting, illustrating a scriptural subject 
from the tasteful brush of Mr. DuBois, decorated the wall half con- 
cealed by a scarlet curtain, in front of which a golden eagle spreads 
his wings, and, holding in his beak, two pendants of the same brilliant 
metal. At the other extreme, another curtain drooped in festoons of a 
blue color, ornamented with rosettes, whose centre sparkled with silver 
stars. The wall exhibited several charters, each bearing the chiro- 
graphs of the magnates of the order, no doubt, and loaded with 



288 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

divers colored ribbons. Pedestals were standing on platforms at each 
end, having on them blocks of marble of the size of a brick and little 
mallets, the use of which we are (alas for our ignorance) unable to 
determine. A gorgeous carpet covered the fioor; good enough both 
in texture and coloring to be trodden by the Great Mogul himself. 
Then there were some closets, with locked doors, around the apart- 
ment, into which we were not invited to look, and here, it was hinted, 
was kept — nobody knows what." 

In June, 1848, Frank Ferguson, of New Jersey, an Odd Fellow, 
brought the dead body of his daughter to Doylestown for interment. 
Accommodations being refused him at the hotels, the lodge room was 
thrown open, the funeral services held there, and the body taken 
lience to the grave yard. The Rev. Silas M. Andrews officiated, 
preaching an eloquent discourse. In 1858, the Doylestown, Aque- 
tong and St. Tammany Lodges occupied the same room in the Acad- 
emy. On February 22, i860, Schuyler Colfax, then a member of 
Congress from Indiana, subsequently Vice President of the United 
Slates, delivered a lecture before the assembled lodges in the Presby- 
terian church, under the auspices of the Aquetong. On January 8, 
1898, the lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, at the lodge room, 
in Lenape building. Past Grand, Elias Carver delivering the address. 
He had been fifty-three years an Odd Fellow, and one of the oldest Past 
Grands in the state. The second Lodge of Odd Fellows, in order of 
date, to be organized in Doylestown, was the Aquetong, No. 193, in 
1846. Our readers have already been informed that this lodge shared 
the quarters of the Doylestown in the attic of the Academy, from 
about April i, 1848 to 1875, when they removed to Lenape build- 
ing. When this new lodge was organized, a little scandal was in- 
dulged embracing the reason for this movement, I)ut whether true or 
false, we do not know. It was alleged that politics had crept 
into the management of the Doylestown Lodge, at which the 
Democrats took great umbrage. A new lodge was suggested as 
the proper remedy, and Aquetong was organized in the lodge 
room of No. 94, at a special meeting held the evening of June 8, 
1846, in obedience to authority granted by the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania. The first regular meeting was held on the evening 
of July 8, with Caleb E. Wright in the chair and William Lime- 
burner acting as Vice Grand. The following ofificers were elected: 
N. G., George H. Michener; V. G. , William Kachline; Secretary, 
Isaac Lippencott; Assistant Secretary, O. P. Zink, and Treasurer, 









% l.t * 



!»^^i 



„ ' ! 

-'t 
. t' 



4 «», 



V 



X, 



j_ i ^ 



p^^^v 



^ ^ i ' 



i*^:! > 



. fc: 



/ ; j 






DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 289 

John G. Michener. Among those elected members, at this meeting, 
were Dr. WiUiam S. Hendre, Josiah Rich, Richard Watson, Daniel 
T. Moore, Robert Winder, Pierson Gilbert and Robert B. Flores. 
The same evening the subordinate lodge officers, and committees to 
manage the details of business, were appointed, and the new lodge 
started upon its career of sweet charity. 

The lodge gained members at every meeting, and soon was a strong 
organization, among the accessions in the near future being George 
Lear. At the second meeting a board of Trustees was elected, con- 
sisting of William S. Hendrie, Josiah Rich, and Richard Watson, and 
John G. Michener was elected representative to Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania. 

For the tirst ten years of its existence, and, in fact, down to the 
time of its occupancy of its new quarters in I_.enape Building, there 
was want of life and activity among the members, who failed to ex- 
hibit the needed vigor, but, after they removed into the new lodge 
room, there was a marked improvement. During this formative 
period Richard Watson, Dr. William S. Hendrie and Thomas W. 
Gaucher were the mainstay of the lodge, the first named becoming 
one of the most active workers in the order in the state. 

From the institution of the Aquetongdown to its fiftieth anniver- 
sary, seventy-six persons occupied the principal chairs, all men of char- 
acter and standing, some of especial prominence in the community. 
With the active assistance of the secretaries, they had much to do in 
making the life of the lodge a success. During these fifty years, its 
members numbered five hundred and sixty-three; it possessed $9,800 
of invested funds, and the value of furniture was estimated at $700. 
The usefulness of the lodge can be best estimated by the statement, 
that for the same period, $23,000 were spent in assisting the sick and 
afflicted, burying the dead and caring for the orphan, a service 
worthy of all praise. The benevolance of Odd Fellowship is broad 
and far-reaching, and, as it is administered through the regular chan- 
nels of the order, there is little, if any, danger of its benefactions being 
applied to unworthy purposes. 

In Odd Fellowship, as in kindred organizations, the labors of a 
few men make the lodge a success. With the Aquetong, Richard 
Watson and Dr. William S. Hendrie are entitled to a large measure 
of credit. Thomas W. Gaucher was another devoted member, and 
Henry D. Livezey, Benjamin Cadwallader, Isaac R. VanHorn and 
Hugh Kintner are spoken of as among the early members, who gave 



290 nOVLESTOWN, 01,0 AND NEW. 

great service to the lodge, all of whom have gone to their reward. 
On July 8, 1896, Alfred Paschall, long a member, delivered the 
semi-centennial address in the lodge room, embracing a carefully 
prepared sketch of the lodge's history. 

The St. Tammany Lodge, No. 257, was chartered April 16, 
1847, and instituted the 30th of August, same year, by C. E. Wright, 
D. D. of M. Where the ceremony took place we are not informed, 
but possibly in the lodge room of one of the other lodges. From the 
first, the meetings were held in the upper room of the building on 
East State street where Francis Brothers carry on business. This is 
on the north side of State street, adjoining what was the Murfit 
property for many years, recently purchased by Judge Yerkes. The 
author was a member of St. Tammany Lodge while meeting in this 
room, and we have no knowledge of its meeting elsewhere. Just 
when St. Tammany gave up the ghost we do not know, but some- 
time in the 50' s, subsequent to 1853. The building alluded to, as the 
home of St. Tammany Lodge, was known as "Temperance Hall." 
After St. Tammany surrendered its charter as Mount Horeb Lodge, it 
was re-instituted at Freeland, Luzerne county. Pa., November 25, 
1886, by Past Grand Sire Nicholson. When the lodge closed, Abiah 
J. Riale was the treasurer with $400 in cash on hand. On the Secre- 
tary of Mount Moriah Lodge being written to for information, he 
replied he could find no records of St. Tammany but the cash, order, 
ledger and receipt books. A search was made for the minute 
book, but none could be found. General John S. Bryan was one of 
the leaders in organizing St. Tammany Lodge, and there was no love 
lost between it and the Doylestown Lodge, on account of past political 
friction. On Friday evening, March 21, 1851, V. L. Bradford, Esq., 
a distinguished lawyer of Philadelphia, lectured before St. Tammany 
Lodge, but the subject we cannot recall. The committee were 
C. H. Mann, N. C. James and John S. Bryan. Among the societies, 
kindred to those spoken of, was the Olive Branch Division, Sons 
of Temperance. They had a celebration August 22, 1845, and, 
after parading the streets of the borough, adjcnuned to a grove out 
of town where speeches were made. One of the speakers was Judge 
Conard, Philadelphia, who, with his family, was boarding here at the 
time. F'rank Sellers, who was active in running this Society, 
published the Olive Branch newspaper. 

The Gi'rman Aid Society, the next youngest of the beneficial 
societies, of Doylestown, was organized June 24, 1866. The prelim- 



DOVLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 291 

inary meeting was held at the private residence of John Bauer, who 
lived on North Main street, in that part of the borough then called 
"Germany." The temporary officers elected were: Frederick Con- 
stantine, president; George Kraft, vice president; Mathias Siegler, 
treasurer; Dominic Baumann, secretary; and John Bauer, Augustus 
Siegler and Conard Hall were choosen to draft a constitution and by- 
laws. These were adopted July 8, and signed by the following per- 
sons, who were the original members: 

Frederick Constantine, Dominic Baumann, John Bauer, Augustus 
Siegler, Conard Hahl, Dr. Charles Siegler, Christian Miller, W. F. 
Orbann, Jacob Long, John Koch, F. X. C. P\iss, Jacob Constantine, 
John Moyer, Johannes Brown, Christian M. Esser, Louis Spellier, 
Herman Schmutz, Frederick Long, Martin Hahl, Levi Nace, John 
Miller, Francis Fluck, Peter Haubert, William Lightcap, A. B. Birk- 
ert, Frederick Schrag, Michael R(jth, Charles Fritsche, Samuel Dur- 
stine, Moritz Loeb, Dr. F. Mierson and Isaac Transue. Of these 
thirty-two original members, of the German Aid Society, twenty-five 
have deceased since they signed their names to the constitution and 
by-laws, leaving but seven survivors. The society was incorporated, 
by the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks county, May 3, 1867, and 
immediately began its good work which it has continued. The pre- 
sent membership is ninety-five. 

The object of the German Aid Society, as set forth in the second 
Article of the Constitution, is "to aid its members in cases of sick- 
ness or death," and the membersliip is limited to " healthy males, 
possessing a good character, citizens of Pennsylvania and speaking 
the German language." From tlie first, the dues of the members have 
been ten cents a week. The sick benefits are $5 per week during the 
entire sickness of the member, and the funeral benefits $75 for a 
memlier and $50 for a member's wife. The funeral benefits were paid 
out of the treasurv until 1898, but are now paid by assessments, each 
member pa)'ing one dollar, when a member dies and fifty cents on the 
death of the wife. The society's capital, at present, is $3,000, and 
running expenses $50 a year. The oflicers, in 1902, were President, 
Ernest Werner; Vice President, George Schroth; Treasurer, Jonas 
Kern ; Secretary, John C. Copple, and Trustees, Charles F. Myers, 
Dr. Charles Siegler and Edv\'ard Carl. 

The first member, of the society to die, was Julius Kuster, born of 
German parents, and spent most of his life in Doylestown. His father 
lived and died in Warsaw, Polanil. Julius learned the printing trade 



292 DOYI.ESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

in the Democrat office and subsequently worked on the Standard. 
When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Doylestovvn Guards 
and served three months, participating in the Shenandoah Valley 
campaign, reaching the grade of corporal. Mr. Kuster was an ex- 
cellent man and very popular. 

The next beneficial society in our borough, in the order of age, is 
that of the United American Mechanics, organized 1868. The pre- 
liminary meeting was held the evening of August 12, in Brower's Hall, 
on the Fountain House property. T. N. Myers was called to the 
chair, and stated the object of the meeting. A committee was 
appointed to wait on one of the Societies of Odd Fellows, and ask 
permission to make use of its room, but this being refused, quarters 
were obtained of Lewis B. Thompson. After the necessary prelimin- 
ary business had been transacted, the meeting adjourned. 

The next meeting was held September 2, in their permanent 
quarters, and the chapter members were constituted the Doylestown 
Council, "No. 166, of U. A. M." Representatives from the Jeffer- 
son Council, No. 75, performed the ceremonies. The following mem- 
bers were initiated: A. H. Heany, Lewis Heller, H. S. Sigafus, 
David Firman, William Fhick, E. R. J. Uberoth, James H. Clark, 
William Lightca]), John P. Kinny, Wilson D. James, A. C. Large, 
D. S. Willard, James A. Martin, A. B. Rickard, Theodore P. 
Harvey, and Oliver H. Smith. From these the following officers 
were elected: Myers, V. C. ; Martin, R. S. ; Heany, A. R. S. ; Fir- 
man, F. S. ; Clark, L; Funk, Ex.; James, I. P.; Sigafus, O. P., 
and Theodore P. Harvey, William C. Knighi, William Fluck, and 
John Kenney, Trustees. After the installation of officers and the 
State charter presented, the council was declared to be in working 
order. At this meeting, steps were taken to procure the necessary 
regalia and other articles required to fully equiji the new organization. 
From the date of the Council's iiislitulion, it has been active in the 
discharge of its functions. The nienibcrshi]) of the Society is one 
hundred, the initiation fee from three to eight dollars, according to 
age of the applicant, sick allowance five dollars a week, funeral 
benefit one hundred dollars for a member and fifty dollars for the 
wife. The present meeting place is Seigler's Hall." 

In atUliton to the beneficial societies named, there are several 



2 The Doylestown Council of American Mechanics celebrated its thirtieth 
anniversary, in Lenai)e Hall, Saturday evenini^', July 10, rSgS. The hall was 
handsomely decorated with llai^s, and the alltiulaiuv laij^e. Several other 
orders were represented. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 293 

others in Doylestown, organized for this and kindred purposes. These 
we group, giving name and object, as far as our information warrants 
it. The hrst is the Knights of the Golden Eagle, a strong and popu- 
lar organization, whose mission is beneficial and the cultivation of the 
social virtues; Knights and Ladies of Honor, beneficial; True Blue, 
accident and sick benefits; Improved Order Heptasophs, life insur- 
ance; Royal Arcanum, life insurance and beneficial; St. Joseph's, 
beneficial; the Red Men; the Senior and Junior Order of American 
Mechanics, both beneficial, and the Daughters of Liberty, Doylestown 
Council, No. 40, also beneficial. This latter society was organized in 
1897. A committee of six men, three from the Senior American 
Mechanics and three from the Junior, who would be eligible to member- 
ship in the Daughters of Liberty, met to ascertain if it were possible 
to organize such lodge. After it was determined to make the attempt, 
and the actual work of organization had begun, the members of the 
committee dropped out until but two were left, Parke B. Summers and 
EUwood B. Myers, members of the Junior Order of U. A. M. They pro- 
ceeded with the work, but Mr. Summers being suddenly called away, 
the work of organization, institution, etc. , devolved on Mr. Myers. 
The effort was successful, and, he and Mr. Summers are still members of 
the order. It has proved a successful organization, and is growing 
stronger. In the first four years, the receipts reached $2,343.09, and 
$2,000 were paid out for sick benefits. On Saturday evening, Octo- 
ber 12, 1901, the council presented the School Board an American 
flag, the presentation speech being made by Lieutenant Charles A. 
Cuff el, and received by Robert Yardley, Esq. The presentation was 
preceded by a short literary programme and followed by refreshments. 
The presence of this number of beneficial societies, in a town of the 
size of Doylestown, shows how closely mankind, outside of the family 
circle, is united in the common purpose of doing good to each 
other. 3 

As stated above the Daughters of Liberty was organized 
October 9, 1897, with forty-five charter members, forty-one females 
and four males. The following composed the sub-ordinate officers : 
Councillor, Mrs. Lucy Switzer; Associate Councillor, Miss Elizabeth 
B. Hoffman; Vice Councillor, Miss Hannah E. Mcintosh; Assistant 
Vice Councillor, Miss Georgia M. Shinn; Recording Secretary, Miss 
Virginia Balles ; Assistant Recording Secretary, Miss Emma Fuss ; 



3 A few of our local societies have been omitted, because we were not able 
to get the necessary data. 



294 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

First Secretary, Elvvood B. Myers; Treasurer, Miss Lucy Dyer; 
Guide, Miss M. Ida Gross; Junior Ex-Councillor, Miss Laura Fretz; 
Associate Junior Ex-Councillor, Parker Summers; Trustees, Parker 
Summers, Miss Fannie Eisenhart, Mrs. Ida M. Keuler; Represen- 
tative, Parker .Summers; Deputy Representative, J. Bailey Harvey, 
Philadelphia, member of John E. Armstrong Council. The present 
membership is sixty-nine females and five males, suspended ten and 
lost by death two. Since the organization the council has paid out 
for sick and death benefits, over $i,ooo, and the value of the council 
is $900. The place of meeting is in Siegler's Hall, every Monday 
evening. On .Sunday evening, November 24, 1902, the Daughters 
of Liberty attended St. Paul's Lutheran church, where the Rev. S. 
A. Bridges Stopp preached a special sermon for the occasion and the 
choir rendered appropriate music. 

Of the patriotic societies, of Doylestown, and semi- military in 
character, the Grand Army of the Republic was the earliest organized. 
The first attempt was in 1867, and Thomas P. Miller, 68th Pa. , Charles 
A. Cuffel, Durell's Battery, and Burt Schurz, regiment unknown, 
were the most active. It survived about a year, and its early death is 
said to have been caused by one of the local newspapers charging it 
with an object not thought of. About this time, the graves of the 
soldiers, who fell in the Civil War, and were buried at Doylestown, 
were first decorated with flowers. Miller and Cuftel being leaders in 
this movement. This was continued for several years, and led legit- 
imately to the organization of a Grand Army Post here. This was in 
1883, and called the General Robert L. Bodine Post, No. 306. 

The formal muster in, of the members composing the organ- 
ization, was on January 23, by Post No. 2, of Philadelphia, which the 
Department Commander detailed for the purpose. The ceremonies 
took place in Lenape Hall, and attracted no little attention. The 
following were the names of the charter members : 

Charles A. Cuffel, Isaiah J. Sellers, Robert Conard, James 
Bissey, Durell's Battery; C. K. Frankenfield, J. F. Atkinson, 128th 
P. V. ; John Townsend. 29 P. V. ; Thomas P. Miller, 68th P. V. ; 
John Hargrave, Andrew Connard, James Garis, Miles Williams, Will- 
iam S. Radcliff, Evan Stover, Samuel Silvey, 104 P. V. ; Dr. Frank 
Swartzlander, Assistant Surgeon; Joseph M. Fulton, 174 P. M. ; 
Lewis K. Bryan, Berdans Sharpshooters and 174 P. M. ; D. W. C. 
Callender, 8th Pa. Cavalry; Samuel S. Ely, 215 Pa.; V. Rudolph 
Meyer, 3 Battery V. R. C. ; James Gilkyson, 31st Pa. M. ; Joseph S. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 295 

Hawk, 3d Pa. Artillery; C. Howard Magill, John Flack, 196 Pa. V. ; 
Jacob Clemens, 25 Pa. V.; Patrick Harford, 11 N. J. C. ; Richard 
Watson, Pa. M. 

The first regular meeting of the Post was held in the room of the 
Doylestovvn Public Library, Lenape Building, and, for a year or 
more, in a large room in the third story of James S. Mann's bakery 
at the southwest corner of Main and State streets. The headquarters 
of the Post was next moved to the second story of James Kane's 
building on Donaldson street, where it remained for several years, 
and thence to the Thompson building on Main street. Subsequently 
the Post moved its quarters back to the Kane building and then to 
their present quarters in Mannerchoir Hall. On Memorial Day, 
May 30th, the Post turns out to do honor to the memory of their 
dead comrades, by holding a public meeting in the Court House, the 
exercises consisting in a recital of the ritual, reading orders, an 
address, music and religious services. A procession is then formed 
and marches to the cemetery, where the soldiers' graves are decorated, 
additional religious services held, followed by firing a volley. On 
such occasions the attendance is large, the day almost an holiday. 

In December, 1901, a meeting was held at the dwelling of Captain 
Charles A. Vandegrift for the purpose of organizing a camp of the 
"National Association of Veterans of the Spanish- American war." 
It was given the name of Doylestown Camp, No. 228, and the follow- 
ing officers elected and subsequently installed: Commander, Captain 
F. B. Atler; Senior Vice Commander, Sergeant A. F. Lear; Junior 
do, Joseph R. Wood; Adjutant, C. F. Kratz; Quartermaster, Sergeant 
Edward Maulsbury; Chaplain, Captain W. H. Black, Officer of the 
Guard, August Kurtz, and, officer of the Day, Robert Mcintosh. The 
charter members elected, were Captains, F. B. Atler, C. A. Vande- 
grift, and Wm. H. Black; Sergeants, Edward Maulsbury, A. F. Lear 
and George W. Kohl; Corporal, Henry W. Bryan, and privates, C. F. 
Kratz, Joseph R. Wood, Robert Mcintosh, August Kurtz and Oscar 
Bice. The first subsequent meeting was held in the Tomlinson build- 
ing, January 23, 1902, and the regular meetings the last Saturciay 
evening of each month. 



Bor)le0torim. (Olb auD Mem. 

XXIX 
Our Medical Life. 

The medical life, of a community, is a matter of interest, whether 
the practioner makes use of the knife, in a case demanding the most 
consummate skill to save the life of the patient, administers curatives 
or renders other professional services to amend 

"The heartaches and the thousand natural shocks 
That flesh is heir to." 

No other profession holds such confidential relations with the 
human family, and, to reach our purpose, we treat the physicians, 
druggists and dentists, who have lived and practiced in Doylestown, 
in a single group. In doing this, however, we shall deal only with 
the eldest, the Dean of each branch of the profession, making him 
the examplar of his brethren. 

The first physician, we have knowledge of, in practice at Doyles- 
town and vicinity, was Dr. Hugh Meredith," although there may have 
been earlier ones, whose names have not come down to us. The 
Merediths were early settlers in Doylestown township, then part of 
New Britain, James Meredith," the Rucks county ancestor, settling 
in the vicinity of Castle Valley about 1730, coming over from Chester 
county. He was the father of Dr. Hugh, who studied medicine, 
married Mary Todd and lived and died in Doylestown. Just at what 
time he came is a little uncertain, though tradition says he was 



1 Dr. Hugh Meredith's name is anions those on the roll of the New Britain 
Associators, 1776. 

2 Near Doylestown, April 18, 1819, Hannah IMereditii, aged 87 years. 

296 




DR. CHARLES H. MATHEWS. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 297 

practicing here as early as 1778. He had two sons, Thomas ^ and 
Charles,'* and a daughter Elizabeth who married Abraham Chapman, 
and was the mother of the late Hon. Henry Chapman. Dr. Hugh 
Meredith's dwelling was on, or near, what is known as " Armstrong's 
Corner," where he is said to have built a dwelling, 1789. He died 
July 15, I815, and was succeeded in practice by his son Charles, who 
died in 1831.5 ^^^ ^ Father and son are both highly spoken of. Dr. 
Charles Meredith, the son, was born 1774.^ On the death of Dr. 
Charles Meredith he was succeeded in his practice by Dr. Charles H. 
Mathews, his brotlier- in-law, who had married his sister. Dr. Math- 
ews was born at Roxborough, Philadelphia county, November 5, 
1805, and graduated from the Medical Department of the University 
of Pennsylvania, 1827. While his life was devoted to his profession, 
he took an interest in public affairs, giving some of his time to pol- 
itics, and was interested in the volunteer militia. He held the office 
of Prothonotary of the Courts for one term, was Captain of the Doyles- 
town Grays, the crack company of the county. Major of the Centre 
Union Battalion, and elected and Commissioned Major-General of 
the second division, Pennsylvnnia Militia, composed of Bucks and 
Montgomery counties. He was chosen to this office while upon his 
death bed, and the author had the meloncholy satisfaction of present- 
ing him the certificate of his election, a day or two before he died. 
He had a delightful personality, was successful in the practice of his 
profession and popular with all classes. Dr. Mathews was twice 
married, his first wife being a daughter of Dr. Hugh Meredith, and 
his second a daughter of Gilbert Rodman, Bensalem, and a sister of 
Mrs. John Fox. He died July 25, 1849. 

Dr. James S. Rich was probably in practice, at Doylestown, prior 



3 On the 26th lilt. April, 1S26, by Conrad Myers, Esq., Mr. Charles Buck, 
Jr., ot Tinicuni, to Miss Mary Matilda, daughter of Dr. Thomas N. Meredith, 
of Nockamixon, and grand-daughter of Dr. Charles Meredith, Doylestown. 

4 Dr. Charles Meredith received part of his education at the classical 
school, at Southampton 15aptist church. 

5 At Doylestown, July 27, 1831, Dr. Charles Meredith, in his 57th year. 
" If universal benevolence, it charity and kindness to the poor, if incorrupt- 
ible integrity be claims to consideration, he richly deserved it; while his medical 
experience, exerted through a long and extensive practice, has called forth the 
gratitude of numbers for their experience of its benefits. 6 At Philadelphia, 
February 7, 1832, Mrs. Isabella, relict of the late Dr. Charles Meredith, of 
Doylestown. 

7 Wishing to know whether the two Dr. Merediths had graduated from 
the Medical Department of Pennsylvania University, we wrote that insti- 
tution, and received the reply : ' ' We are sorry to state that these honored 
doctors were not from this school. ' ' 



298 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

to the death of Dr. Charles Meredith, and succeeded him to the 
Dean's chair, but of this we are not certain. He was a native of Doy- 
lestown township, a son of Anthony Rich, and may have settled here 
as soon as he graduated from the Medical School. He continued in 
practice until 1841, but Dr. C. B. Ferguson from Philadelphia, com- 
ing here, meanwhile. Dr. Rich removed to Churchville to take the 
practice of Dr. Baker, and spent the remainder of his life there. This 
made Dr. Mathews the Dean of the profession at Doylestown. Dr. 
Ferguson moved into Dr. Rich's house, April i, 1841, on East State 
street, the same now owned and occupied by Postmaster James Bartlett, 
and was in practice here until the summer of 1849, when he died of 
Asiatic cholera contracted at the Alms House. Dr. William S. Hend- 
rie, who had previously settled in Hilltown, removing hither from 
Springtown, doubtless having an eye on the relinquished practice of 
Dr. Rich, came down to Doylestown in the spring of 1841. He 
subsequently purchased the Dr. Rich house and spent his life in it. 
Dr. Hendrie was Dean of the profession, at Doylestown, until his 
death in 1875, and was succeeded by Dr. Gilbert R. McCoy, the next 
in succession. 

At the death of Dr. Mathews, 1849, Dr. McCoy, came to Doy- 
lestown and took his practice. He was a son of Anthony McCoy, of 
Easton, a relative of the family by marriage, and, being the oldest in 
practice, became the Dean. He was a graduate oi the University 
Medical School and having the piece of parchment that stamps the 
owner as qualified to practice medicine, he settled in Chester county. 
Upon learning of the death of Dr. Mathews, Dr. McCoy came here 
living in the Meredith house on North Main street, opposite the Court 
House. Through these four physicians, the two Meredith's, Mathews 
and McCoy, ran the blood of relationship, and the fourth in line was 
as acceptable to his generation as the other three had been to theirs. 
During Dr. McCoy's practice of forty years, he gathered a clientage 
about him that appreciated his gentle manners and professional skill. 
He died in 1882, and his wife since followed him to the grave. 

In the meantime. Dr. Frank Svvartzlander, son of Joseph Swartz- 
lander, Lower Makefield, and a graduate of the Pennsylvania Univer- 
sity School, had settled at Doylestown, and began practice January i, 
1866. By seniority he became the Dean on the death of Dr. McCoy 
and still wears his honors. Dr. Svvartzlander has had an unusual 
experience, serving through the Civil War, as Assistant Surgeon, 
having charge of a hospital on the field at Gettysburg, and partici- 



DOVLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 299 

pated ill the siege of Charleston, the most noted of modern times. 
To the liistorian of the future we leave the medical Dean of 1902. 

The next physician to settle in Doylestown, in the order of time, 
was Dr. Andrew J. Mines, who removed here in 1870. He was a 
descendant of Matthew Hines, born in Ireland, came to America, 
1740, and settled in VVhitemarsh township, then Philadelphia county, 
now Montgomery. He married Mrs. Ann Simpson. Dr. Hines was 
born in Warrington township, Bucks county, August 5, 1826, 
brought up on his father's farm, received a classical education, read 
medicine with Dr. O. P. James, Doylestown, and graduated from the 
Jefferson Medical School, 1853. He began practice at Leidytown, 
Hilltown township, remaining there seventeen years before coming to 
Doylestown, having previously married Anna M. Armstrong, daughter 
of Jesse Armstrong-. He was widely known in Bucks and Montgomery 
counties; was a member of the Bucks County Medical Society, and a 
Trustee of the Doylestown Baptist Church. 

Since the time of which we write the science of medicine has 
broadened, and the knowledge and skill, that wait on its practice, 
have wonderfully grown. There are more physicians in Doylestown, 
at present, than ever before at any one time, and of a greater number 
of schools.^ 

The druggist, the second in our group of the Medical life of Doy- 
lestown, according to our arrangement, come later than the physician, 
and the harmony, between these two branches of the profession, shows 
how essential they are to each other. The first " Drug and Medicine 
store" in Doylestown, was opened 1818, and, as strange as it may 
seem, the proprietor of it was Frances B. Shaw, a member of the bar. 
He was probably the first in this business at the county seat. 9 The 
location is not definitely known but was probably in the old Shaw 
stone dwelling that stood on the east side of North Main street, almost 
opposite the Doylestown Trust Company. How the two professions 
got along together, without clashing, is a question law and medicine, 
both would like to have answered. In the early fall of 1837, John 
H. Anderson, who was keeping a general store, here on the west side 

8 With increase in practice, and growth of skill, it is quite natural the Med- 
ical fee bill has kept pace. The author has, in his possession, the bill of Dr. 
John Wilson, for " Medical attendance " on Judge Watts' family, for February 
and March, 1S15, while the epidemic of typhus fever prevailed here and 
amounts to but 127. There were live patients and all died. 

9 Dr. Mathew Otto was the first regular apothecary in the county, opening his 
drug shop at Bethlehem, about 1745. We find he was called to attend the sick 
at Durham furnace, May, 1746, and his bill was ^3-5 S. 



300 DOVLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

of what is now ' ' Monument Place, ' ' fitted up a ' ' Drug and Medicine 
Department," and we suppose he kept it until he went to Lambertville, 
where he died. In 1838, Dr. John Pettitt, son of Elnathan, opened 
a drug store " in the new building, opposite the Doylestown Hotel." 
The building was the same now owned by William Stuckert, opposite 
the Fountain House, and was new in 1838, having been lately rebuilt, 
after the fire of 1836, which destroyed the Democrat building on that 
site. While the foregoing were pioneers in the drug business, they 
did not take it up professionally, but one came shortly, to stay, mak- 
ing it his life work. This was the late Dr. George T. Harvey. 

Dr. Harvey, the son of Enoch Harvey, was born in Doylestown, 
1 8 13, and educated at the school at Bridge Point, then kept by Sam- 
uel Aaron and at the Union Academy, and, at twenty, began the 
study of medicine with Dr. Abraham Stout, Bethlehem. He attended 
lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated, 1835. 
He now went to Missouri, where he practiced medicine and tried to 
" grow up with the country," until 1840, when he returned home and 
settled down in the drug business, erecting a building on the west side of 
North Main street, between the Doylestown bank and the Harvey 
dwelling, on the site of the present Hart building. This was the 
only drug store in Doylestown for many years, and possibly in the 
county, and here Dr. Harvey kept for well nigh half a century. He 
became a prominent and public spirited citizen; was three times post- 
master, a member of council, 1869, that introduced water into the 
borough, and held the commissions of Lieutenant and Captain in the 
Civil War, first in the three months army, and subsequently three 
years in the 104th Regiiuent. Dr. Harvey was . twice married, his 
first wife being Mary LaRue, of Doylestown, by whom he had one 
child, a son, Judge Edward Harvey, of Allentown. After the death 
of his wife he married Mary Rex, of Norristown, 1856, and two 
daughters were born to them. Doctor Harvey was the Dean of the 
druggists. The Harvey drug building was quite historic, and, when 
taken down, was one of the oldest frames in the borough. The upper 
story had been used for various purpcjses. In the fall of 1848, the 
author opened his law office on the lower floor moving up stairs the 
following spring, reaching his quarters by an outside pair of steps; 
the "T. O. S. Club," a social organization of young men, had its 
quarters there several years, whence it removed to Lenape Building, 
and dissolved about 1890, when most of the members went out into the 
world to make a living and earn fame. Doylestown of the present 




DR. GEORCiE T. HARVEY, 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 301 

day, is equipped with drug stores that will compare favorably with 
city establishments in the same profession, and Mr. Hulshizer is the 
Dean. 

A. M. Freeman was an early dentist, if not the first in 
Doylestown, September i, 1823, and could be seen "at the house of 
Mrs. Anderson, first door north of Asher Miner's printing ofifice. " 
He announced that the public " need have no occasion to dread his 
operations, as they are attended with very litde pain or uneasiness." 
He was probal:>ly one of the traveling tooth pullers, who went about 
the country relieving men and women of troublesome molars. At 
that day there were no professional dentists, the calling not being 
known as a profession. In 1834, the newspapers of Doylestown 
announced that Dr. W. F. De La Mater "a surgeon dentist, lately 
from New York," had opened an office in the Green Tree Tavern, 
then kept by Andrew Meyer. His specialty was "setting porcelain 
incorruptible teeth." He was followed by Dr. Henry C. Lloyd who 
opened a dentistry office in Doylestown, July 1846, remained for a 
time and then went to Texas, where he had an uncle living, and 
married there. The degree of M. D. being conferred upon him, July 
2, 1848, he subsequently returned to Bucks county, settling at Yard- 
ley where he practiced medicine to his death, about i8go. He was a 
brother of E. Morris Lloyd, Esq., a member of this bar; both were sons 
of the late John Lloyd, and grandsons of Enos Morris, Esq., a 
prominent lawyer prior, and subsequent, to the removal of the 
county seat. 

Dr. Parsons, a dentist from VVilkesbarre, settled here in the prac- 
tice of his profession, 184S, but went to California the following year, 
when the gold fever became epidemic. It carried him off in January, 
1849. He sailed in the Gray Eagle from Philadelphia, accompanied 
by Charles McHenry, of Doylestown, and J. Neeley Thompson, of 
Solebury, while Asher Cox followed them in a few months. McHenry 
and Cox returned in a few years. Parsons remaining permanently, 
dying there. Thompson made California his home for several years, 
being fortunate in his ventures; then returned to New York, subse- 
quently going to the city of Mexico where he died. 

Dr. Parsons was succeeded in professional dentistry, at Doyles- 
town, by Dr. A. J. Yerkes, Jr. , son of Andrew Yerkes, of Warmin- 
ster township, where he was born, 1826. He came here, November, 
1 85 1, and, in the Democrat of the i8th, advertised himself as a " Sur- 
gical and Mechanical Dentist, office opposite Mann's Hotel," and 



302 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

that he will be, on Monday next, the 24th, " at his father's house one 
mile above Halborough to remain one week." He located in what is 
now the Slnckert building, opposite the Fountain House, North Main 
street. He learned his profession with Dr. Charles Sloan, of Phila- 
delphia. Dr. Yerkes had his office in three other localities before 
getting' into his own dwelling, which he erected in 1855; in the Joshua 
Beans house, on the north side of East State street, three doors from 
Main, the Nightingale house, southeast corner of East State and Pine, 
and in the McGinty building, northeast corner of the same streets. 
Being a skillful dentist. Dr. Yerkes drew a large patronage. He was 
assisted in this by purchasing, of the patentee, the right to manu- 
facture mineral teeth and make vitrous oxide. In i860. Dr. Yerkes' 
brother, Hutchinson P. came to learn the profession with him, and, 
on concluding his studies, located at Norristown. He remained there 
until 1865, when he returned to Doylestown to assist his brother, 
then in failing health. Dr. Andrew J. Yerkes died here in 1868 in 
his forty-second year, when Dr. Hutchinson P. succeeded him, and is 
still in practice. Dr. Andrew, being the eldest dentist in practic, be- 
came the Dean and held it to his death. 

In the meantime, after Dr. Yerkes, the elder, had settled at Do)^- 
lestown, a new dentist made his appearance. Dr. John S. Rhoads. 
Whence he came has escaped our memor}', but he married Miss 
Sophia Evans, sister of Judson Evans, then well known in this section. 
We are not able to find the exact time when Dr. Rhoads came here, but 
the first mention of him is in the Doylestoivn Democrat, of November 
8, 1859, when he was in partnership with J. M. Childs, and they 
advertise as " Surgical and Mechanical Dentists." The office was on 
Main street, first door above W. T. Eisenhart's clothing store. On 
April 19, 1859, Childs was in partnership with Dr. R. Yost, at which 
date they advertise they have "located themselves permanently in 
Doylestown." After these dates, they appear to have dropped out, 
and we know nothing more of either of them. 

Dr. Rhoads • purchased the McDowell residence east side of 
North Main below Court, then owned by George Hart, April 15, 
1865, and continued practice there to his death, his will being dated 
October i, 1868, and i)roved June 6, 1882. His widow married 
Dr. Joseph Hart, but, as they did not li\'e in harmony, they separated, 
and she and her daughter are now living in California, A dentist, 
named William Lewis, was in practice here in March, 1859. Dr. 
Rhoads became Dean of the profession, on the death of Dr. A. J. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW 



303 



Yerkes, by virtue of seniority in practice, but, on his decease, the 
honors passed to Dr. Hutchinson P. Yerkes, who still wears them 
worthily. He resides in the dwelling built by his brother Andrew, 
1853, which has been his home since he succeeded him in practice, 
on the south side of East State street, second door west of Pine. 



|loi)lc$toiuii, (DID aiiD llm. 



XXX 
Historic Families. 

Great interest attaches to the pie^neer settlers the world over, for 
they are the true nation makers. In previous chapters we made 
mention of the oldest families which settled here, or in the immediate 
vicinity, who made their mark on the life and history of Doylestown; 
in this, we shall speak of them more at length, at the risk of being- 
charged with telling "an oft told tale." 

The "Free Society of Traders,"' followed by Jeremiah Lang- 
horne and Joseph Kirkbride, were the original pro[irietors of the land 
the county seat stands upon, and for a considerable distance around 
it. The Langhornes were immigrants from Westmoreland, England, 
Thomas Langhorne, the ancestor, settling in Middletovvn, 1682, and 
dying there, 1687. He took up 800 acres in that township, and the 
family increased their holdings largely by purchase. His son, Jere- 
miah, became a man of mark and held many places of public trust ; 
Justice of the Peace, I7i5-'i9; commissioned to build the jail at New- 
town, 1724; Speaker of the Provincial Coimcil, Justice of the Supreme 
Court, 1 726-' 39, and Chief Justice, 1739, dying in 1742. 

The Kirkbrides came from Cumberland, Joseph, the ancestor, 
arriving in the Welcome, 1682, and settling in Falls township; an in- 
dentured apprentice, he ran away from his master at the age of nine- 



I Penn's largest and oldest grant in the county was made to the "Free 
Society of Traders," in London, the 22d and 23rd of INIarch, 1682, and covered 
20,000 acres. The object of the company, mostly composed of gentlemen of 
I^ondon, was to carry on trading operations on an extensive .scale, but its pro- 
visions were never carried out. 

304 




JUDGE JOHN FUX. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 305 

teen, starting for the new world with a little wallet of clothing and a 
flail. He was first employed at Pennsbury, but removed to West 
Jersey and there married a daughter of Randall Blackshaw, 1688. He 
became influential and wealthy, and a leading minister among friends, 
dying 1738, at the age of seventy- five. From his son Mahlon have 
descended all that bear the name, and a numerous posterity in the 
female line. Mahlon Kirkbride married Mary, daughter of John and 
Mary Sotcher, favorites of William Penn. 

Walter Shewell, an early settler in that part of New Britain that 
fell into Doylestovvn township, was an immigrant from Gloucestershire, 
England, arriving in 1732. Landing at Philadelphia, he made his 
way to Bucks county and took up a tract, on the State Road two 
miles from Doylestovvn. Here he built a handsome dwelling, 1769, 
and called it " Painswick Hall " after his birth place in England. He 
married Mary Kimmer, of Maryland, and raised a family of sons and 
daughters. Robert, the youngest son, born January 27, 1740, and 
married Mary Sallows, January 15, 1764, became a prominent mer- 
chaiit of Philadelijhia, but, retiring early to Painswick, spent the re- 
mainder of his life there, dying December 28, 1823. Of his eight 
children, five sons became merchants in Philadelphia, Thomas, the 
youngest, and the most noted, being three years in a merchantile 
house in London. Betsy Shewell, a daughter of this family, married 
Benjamin West the celebrated painter, and, while Thomas Shewell was 
in London, he spent liis Sunday evenings at West's house. He re- 
turned home, 1799, resumed business in Philadelphia, and died there 
1848. He was thrice married. Nathaniel Shewell, of whom more 
will be said elsewhere, a descendant of Walter Shewell, played a lead- 
ing part here in his day. 

The Merediths, early settlers in New Britain, took up land on 
the Neshaminy, near Castle Valley bridge. James Meredith, who 
arrived about 1730, descended from Chester county ancestry, whence 
he came to Bucks, and his descendants are numerous in this and 
neighboring counties. William Meredith, a partner of Benjamin 
Franklin about 1725, and the late Hon. Wm. M. Meredith, were 
both of the same family, while James, said to have been a brother of 
Franklin's partner, was the immediate ancestor of the Bucks county 
branch of the family. It is a tradition that Thomas Meredith, a son 
of Thomas, being crazed with over-much study, and the inheritor of 
considerable land about Castle Valley, was sent from Philadelphia to 
spend his life there, accompained by his brother James to look after 



3o6 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

him. The harmless young man planned a castle on the right bank of 
Neshaminy, near the Alms House road, carried thither a great quan- 
tity of stones which he piled up in a circle, cut down trees and had 
the logs hauled to the site. His whims were not interfered with, and, 
after his death, the logs and stones were used to build the first bridge 
across the stream. Thomas Meredith's castle building gave the name 
to the locility. The land fell to his cousin James, embracing several 
farms, including that of the late Monroe Buckman, subsequently 
Sheridan T. Patterson. James Meredith had four sons, Simon, John, 
Thomas and Hugh. Simon, born 1740, married Hannah Hough, 
1766, a daughter of Joseph, and grandaughter of Richard Hough 
who settled on the Delaware, 1682. Dr. Hugh Meredith,* a son of 
James, became a physician, settled at Doylestown about the breaking 
out of the Revolution, erected a stone dwelling on or near the Arm- 
strong corner and married Mary Todd. 3 They had two sons, Charles 
and Thomas, both physicians and one daughter, Elizabeth, who 
married Abraham Chapman. Charles Meredith married Isabella Dick, 
sister of John L. Dick,* and their daughter s vvas the first wife of Dr. 
Charles H. Mathews, and Susan the wife of a Mr. Garth, of Hannible, 
Mo., whither she removed. 

When Dr. Charles H. Mathews married, he moved into what was 
the McDowell house, on the east side of North Main street, below 
Court. The wife was a beautiful but a delicate woman, and there she 
and her child both died. 

Dr. Thomas Meredith married a Miss Burson, and their daughter, 
Matilda, married Nicholas Buck, Jr., Nockamixon, and afterwards went 
west. Dr. Charles Meredith had sons, Hamilton, Richard, and Camp- 
bell, who left Doylestown, for the west, many years ago. Dr. Charles 
Meredith died here, 1831. The elder branches of the Meredith family 
intermarried with the Fells, Mathews, Foulks, et al, the two former 
familes living near neighbors. Dr. Hugh Meredith, the elder, at one 



2 At Doylestown, July 15, iSrs, Dr. Hugh Meredith in the 72d year of his 
age. He had been successful in tiie practice of phy.sic ; was extensively known 
and much respected. 

3 At Doylestown, October 2S, 1822, in the eightieth year of her age. Mrs. 
Mary Meredith, late of this village, widow of Dr. Hugh.' 

4 At Doylestown, on S;iturd;iy, February iS, 1815, at the hou.se of his 
brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Meredith, John L. Dick, aged 27 years. 

5 At Doylestown, April 13, 1830, by the Rev. Samuel Aaron, Dr. Charles 
H. Mathews to Mary E., eldest daughter of Dr. Charles Meredith, of Doyles- 
town, 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 307 

time lived in the old Thomas Stephens house, on the Upper State 
Road, a mile west of Doylestown. 

Benjamin Snodgrass, ancestor of those bearing this name in Bucks 
county, and in other parts of the country, was an Irish immigrant of 
1730. During the long voyage, all of his faniily, exxept his daughter 
Mary and himself, perished at sea of hunger. He settled in what was 
then New Britain, now Doylestown township, married Jane Borland, a 
widow, and, by her, had five children, Benjamin, horn 1730, James, 
1734, Rebecca. Margaret and Jane. Mary, the daughter, who survived 
the voyage, married Robert Stewart, and had one daughter, Jane, who 
married John Greir, father of the late John Stewart Greir. Benjamin 
Snodgrass died 1778. His oldest son, by the second wife, married 
Mary McFarland, born 173 1, and died 1818, had three sons and one 
daughter. While on his way to visit his son James, a Presbyterian 
minister at New Hanover, Daup'.iin county. Pa., July i, 1804, he was 
thrown from his gig, and died from the effects of it, in a few days. 
Benjamin, son of the second Benjamin, a soldier of the Revolution, was 
at the battle of Trenton. His youngest sister, Mary, born 1772, married 
John Mann and died in 1803. James .Snodgrass, son, and youngest 
child of Benjamin, the elder, and born October 21, 1780, married 
Mary McKinstry, and died at Doylestown, April, 1870. The daugh- 
ters married into the families of Pool, Harrar, Todd, Rich, Greir, and 
Armstrong. Benjamin S. Rich, Buckingham, was a descendant of 
James, the elder, and Jefferson Greir, a descendant of Sarah Snod- 
grass. Tlie Rev. Wni. D. Snodgrass, Goshen, New York, was a son 
of Rev. James Snodgrass, New^ Hanover, Dauphin county. Pa., and 
died 1846. The late Dr. James .S. Rich, Churchville, was the son of 
Mary .Snodgrass, and grandaughter of James the second. 

The James family, numerous and influential in their day, were 
near neighbors to the cross-roads before Doyles' Tavern was chris- 
tened "in the flowing bowel," 1745. They came from Wales and 
settled in tlie edge of Montgomery county, 171 1, and, about 1720, 
John James and his two sons, Thomas and William, came over the 
line into Bucks and took up 1,000 acres on Pine run and North 
branch in New Britain. We learn nothing more of John James after 
1726, as he probably died about that time, but William and Thomas 
added to their holdings and became large land owners. Thomas lived 
to be a very old man, dying about the time of the Revolution. John 
j;inies left a numerous offspring in the male and female lines, which 
have continued to increase and multiply, and have been in every walk 



3o8 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

of life, in the profession, the church, politics and the halls of legis- 
lation. Four of the James' signed the petition for New Britain town- 
ship to be laid out. Of the James family, Dr. O. P. James, of New 
Britain, who lived in Doylestown the latter years of his life and 
practiced his profession, served one term in the State Senate; and 
Nathan C. , a member of the bar, was twice elected to the ofifice of 
District Attorney, and his father, John D., was fifty years cryer of the 
Courts. 

The Riale family were among the earliest settlers in New Britain, 
subsequently fell into Doylestown tov\ nship, but w^e have not the date 
of their coming here. The tomb stone of John Riale, the first settler 
is in New Britain grave yard with a legible inscription. He died in 
1748 at the age of sixty, which carries his birth back to 1688. He 
was the great grandfather oi the late David Riale. One of the Riale 
homesteads was within the borough limits. 

The Stewarts were among the first to setde in, or near, the 
present limits of the borough, whose first representative, Charles 
Stewart, came from Scotland between 1720 and 1730, and bought a 
farm. He was a young man of culture and some means, and served 
in the French and Indian Wars with the rank of Captain. His wife 
was a Mrs. Finney, whose sister was the mother of Mrs. Hugh Mere- 
dith. George Stewart, son of Charles, whose wife was Parthena Bar- 
ton, was the father of Barton Stewart,'^ a well-known inhabitant of 
Doylestown in his day. Barton Stewart's log wheelwright shop stood 
on the site of the Intelligencer office — monument place. ^ 

The Harveys are descended from Thomas Harvey of Long 
Island, who setUed in Upper Makefield about 1750, and died there 
1779. He left two sons, of which one was Joseph, the father of 
Enoch Harvey, born 1769, and settled at Doylestown, about 1790. 
He married a daughter of Charles Stewart, then living here on the 
Warwick side of the line. He had several children, of which two 
were the late Joseph ^ and Dr. George T. Harvey, 9 the latter being 
the father of Judge Edward Harvey, Allentown, and the former, the 

6 At Doylestown, February 27, 1818, Margaret Stewart, wife of Barton 
Stewart, aged about 32 years. 

7 At Doylestown, February i, 1842, Thomas J. .Stewart, in his fortieth year. 

8 At Philadelphia, May 6, 1830, by the Rev. Robert B. Belville, Joseph 
Harvey, of Doylestown, to Miss Anna Horner of that city. 

9 At Doylestown, June 27, 1842, by the Rev. John McDowell, Dr. George 
T. Harvey, of Doylestown, to Miss Mary K. LaRue, of Philadelphia. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 309 

only descendant in the county bearing the grandfather's surname. 
Enoch Harvey '° has several descendants, in the female line, who 
lived at Doylestown. 

About the close of the eighteenth century three brothers, Mc- 
intosh, John, Jonathan" and Daniel, ^^ came from Martinsburg, Vir- 
ginia, where they were born, and settled at this, then cross-roads ham- 
let. They all died at an advanced age, within the memory of persons 
now living, and left numerous descendants. They were farmers and 
mechanics, and, some of the members, took to the " Art preservation 
of all arts. ' ' 

The Halls were descendants of Jacob and Mary Hall, of Maccles- 
field, Cheshire, England, who sailed from Liverpool in the Friendship, 
1684, and arrived in Maryland, Twelfth-month 3d, 1684. Thence, 
with their children, Jacob and Mary, they came to the Province of 
Pennsylvania, Third-month 23d, 1685, and settled on a tract of five 
hundred acres, which Jacob Hall, purchased of William Penn, before 
leaving England. Jacob Hall and family soon after removed to 
Taconey, Philadelphia county, where two sons were born to them, viz, 
Jacob and Solomon. Theodorus Hall, son of Joseph and grandson of 
Jacob, Sr. , removed from Moreland, in Philadelphia, to Southampton 
in Bucks county in 1753, and from thence to Kingwood, Hunterdon 
county. New Jersey, 1754. 

Theodorus Hall, son of Joseph and grandson of Jacob, Sr. , who 
removed to Hunterdon county, New Jersey, had a son Samuel, the 
father of Isaac Hall, who came to Doylestown, about 1800, married 
and purchased a lot on the present East State street, just west of 
Broad, and, at that time, included within the township of New Britain. 
When this lot was purchased, 1803, it belonged to Josiah Y. Shaw. 
Hall built a house on it in 1804, and, in it, the late Samuel Hall was 
born October 17, 181 1, the youngest son of Isaac Hall. The house, in 
which Samuel Hall lived, and where he died, in 1896, was the same 
his father built soon after coming here, has never been out of the family. 
Charles Hall, a member of the Bucks County Bar, is the only repre- 
sentative of the family living here. '3 

Uriah DuBois, ancestor of the family of this name at Doyles- 

10 At Doylestown, July 15, 1831, Enoch Harvey in the sixty-fifth year of 
his age. At Doylestown, February 16, 1847, in the 74th year of her age, Sarah, 
widow of Enoch Harvey. 

11 At Philadelphia, by Rev. William M. White, Jonathan Mcintosh, of 
Doylestown, to Miss Sarah Fryer, of Philadelphia. 

12 At Doylestown, May 26, 1808, by the Rev. Uriah DuBois, Daniel Mc- 
intosh, to Miss Sallie Hair, daughter of WilHam Hair. 

13 At Doylestown, December, 1829, by the Rev. Samuel Aaron, John 
Hodgson, printer, to Miss Mary Hall, both of Doylestown. 



310 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

town, was the descendant of a French Hngonaut immigrant, Louis, 
the son of Peter, and Ann DuBois, who came to America about 1660, 
and settled at Kingston on the Hudson. Uriah DuBois was born in 
Salem county. New Jersey, 1768, graduated at the L'niversity of Penn- 
sylvania, 1790, and licensed to preach 1796. He married Martha 
Patterson, and took up his residence at the village of Dublin, Bed- 
minister township, when called to the Deep Run Presbyterian church, 
1798. He came to Doylestown, i8o.|., to take charge of the Union 
Academy, and died here 182 1. He was a power in this community, 
and the founder of the Doylestown Presbyterian church. 

The Chapmans immigrated from Stannah, Yorkshire, England, 
John with his wife Jane and three children, landing 1684, and settling 
in Wrightstown. He is said to have been the first white settler north 
of Newtown. Abraham Cliapman, the first of the family to settle in 
Doylestown, was born in Wrightstown, married Elizabeth Meredith''* 
and read law with John Ross at West Chester. In the ofifice with him 
were Daniel Stroud and a Darlington. He was admitted to the Bucks 
county bar, 1790, and practiced at Newtown until the removal of the 
county seat to Doylestown, 1813, and died here, 1855. Seth Chap- 
man, another member of the family, while in practice at Newtown, 
181 1, was appointed President Judge of the Eighth Judicial District. The 
late Judge Henry Chapman, son of Abraham, born in Wrightstown, 
1804, and the most distinguished member of the family, received his 
early education at the Union Academy, Doylestown, and Duncan 
McGregor's classical school. Bridge Point, finishing at Samuel Gum- 
mere's school, Burlington, N. J. He read law with his father, and 
was admitted to the bar, 1825. He was one of the committee to re- 
ceive Samuel D. Ingham, Jackson's Secretary of the Treasury, on his 
return home after his resignation, and also made the Welcome Home 
address. Judge Chapman was twice married, his first wife being a 
daughter of Thomas Stewart, Doylestown, the second Nancy Findley, 
daughter of Governor Shunk, and grand-daughter of Governor Findley, 
of Pennsylvania. The daughters of two of our Governors came brides 
into Bucks county, the other being tlie w^ife of Dr. Phineas Jenks, 
Newtown, a daughter of Governor Snyder. Judge Chapman in the 
course of his pul)lic career, was President Judge of the Judical Districts 
of Bucks and Montgomery, and Chester county, and was elected to 
the State Senate and the Congress of the United States. 

The Rosses, likewise English Friends, are descendants of Thomas 

14 At Doylestown, October 12, 1812, Elizabeth Chapman, daughter of Dr. 
Hugh Meredith and wife of Abraham Chapman. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 311 

Ross, County Tyrone, Ireland, and born of Episcopal parents, 1708. 
Himself and sister settled in Upper Makefield, at the age of twenty, 
joining Wrightstovvn Friends' Meeting the following year. He soon 
became an accepted minister, and married Kesiah Wilkinson, daughter 
of a prominent county family, 1731. Thomas Ross went to England 
on a visit, 1784, and, being taken sick, died at the house of Lindley 
Murray, near York, 1786, in his seventy-eighth year. The Ross 
family has produced several able men, prominent in politics and the 
law. Three reached the bench, one of them the Supreme Court, and 
one branch gave to the profession four generations of lawyers. The 
late Thomas Ross served four years in the House of Representatives 
of the United States. Henry Ross, a son of Thomas, and one of 
the ablest members of the family, was a graduate of Princeton and ad- 
mitted to the bar, 1859. He soon had a large practice and was rec- 
ognized as a brilliant lawyer. He was District Attorney, 1 862-' 65; 
Additional Law Judge, 1869; President Judge of Montgomery, 1871; 
re-elected 1881, and died 1882. He possessed many fine traits of 
character, and had a charm of manners that gave him great personal 
popularity. George Ross, a younger son of Thomas, was almost as 
distinguished as his elder brother. He was born at Doylestown, 
August 21, 1 84 1, graduated at Princeton in the class of 1861; read 
law with his later, admitted to the bar, 1864; member of the Consti- 
tutional Convention, 1873; elected to the State Senate, 1886, re- 
elected, 1890; was caucus candidate for U. S. Senate, 1893; twice 
nominated for Congress in the Bucks- Montgomery district, but 
defeated at the polls. He died November 19, 1894. 

The ancestor of the Fox family was not a native of Bucks county, 
Edward Fox, the father of Judge John Fox, being an Englishman by 
descent, born in Ireland. He came to this country when young and 
settled in Philadelphia, marrying a sister of Jonathan Dickinson Serge- 
ant, and aunt of John and Thomas Sergeant. He was a merchant for 
many years, and afterward held a responsible office under the State 
Government, that of Auditor General, which, at that day, paid a salary 
of $1,700. With whom Judge Fox read law, we are not informed, 
but probably in Philadelphia, and, upon admission to the bar, 1807, 
settled at Newtown then the county seat and commenced practice. 
He came to Doylestown with the removal of the county seat, 18 13, 
made this his home, and, in 1876, married a daughter of Gilbert 
Rodman, Bensalem. He never left his profession for the sake of political 
office, but in that he was Deputy-Attorney General, and President 



312 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Judge of the Common Pleas of the county for the term of ten years, 
i830-'40. In addition to these honors, he was elected Major- General 
of Militia but never took out his commission. He was an astute political 
leader, and, had he been disposed to enter that field, would have 
reached a high position. His three sons, Gilbert, R.odman, Edward 
J. and Lewis R., were all trained to their father's profession and ad- 
mitted to the bar. The first two named made it their life calling, and 
became distinguished lawyers, while the third entered the church as 
a Presbyterian clergyman. In the war of i8i2-'i5, Judge Fox, left 
his profession to serve his country in the field. He was a very able 
lawyer, the peer of any at this bar during his generation, and an 
agreeable man. The author, who read law in Judge Fox's office, has 
a very keen recollection of his universal kindness and courtesy. The 
Fox house, at Broad and Court streets, now the property of George 
P. Brock, and built by Rev. Uriah DuBois, 1807, was the home in 
recent years of the Fox family until the death of Mrs. Fox, when it 
passed into the possession of Caleb E. Wright, Esq., and from him to 
its present owner. 

Judge Fox was a politician in the best sense of that word, never 
entering into a squabble for office and always ready to show his party 
friends how to " set a squadron in the field." His acquaintance with 
the statesmen of the country was extensive and confidential. To his 
house came Samuel D. Ingham, at the Zenith of his fame, and, after 
his retirement from public life, he made that his stopping place to 
discuss county, state and national politics and talk of the days of 
Auld Lang Syne. The author frequently saw the horse, of the Ex- 
Secretary of the Treasury, hitched to the fence across the street. 
When Mr. Ingham was appointed Prothonotary of the county, 1817, 
he removed with his family to Doylestown, and, becoming a neighbor 
to Mr. Fox, served to cement their friendship closer. He also made 
Doylestown his home for some time after being appointed Secretary of 
the Connnonwealth, 1819. '5 Mr. Fox was the main factor in having 
Mr. Ingham selected for the portfolio of the Treasury in Jackson's 
first Cabinet, through the southern wing of the Democratic party, 
with whose leaders he held close relations. When Mr. Ingham re- 
turned home, after leaving the Cabinet, Mr. Pox was one of the 
committee to welcome him. 

Mathias Morris a native of Hilltown, and born 1787, was a 
great grandson of Morris Morris, the first of the name to settle 

15 Mrs. Ingham sub.sequently died at Doylestown. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 313 

in Bucks county. He read law, was admitted to this bar, at New- 
town and practiced in Philadelphia'^ until 1819, when he established 
himself at Doylestovvn, and spent the rest of his life here, dying 1839. 
His wife was a daughter of Abraham Chapman. '7 He was admitted 
to practice in the Supreme Court of the U. S., February 22, 1833. 
Mr. Morris was Deputy Attorney General of the county, and served 
one term, each, in the State Senate and in Congress. 

The Rogers family, of Connecticut descent, settled in Philadel- 
phia, where William T. Rogers, the son of William C. , was born 
1799, the family removing subsequently to Warrington township, this 
county. The son learned the printing trade with Asher Miner, in the 
Correspondent office, and, after his time was out, purchased the 
Democrat which he owned and edited until 1829. He became prom- 
inent in politics, serving two terms, eight years in the State Senate, 
four of them in the Speaker's chair, and was afterward collector of 
canal tolls at Bristol. Mr. Rogers, having a taste for military affairs, 
joined the Volunteer Militia passing through the grades of Captain, 
Brigade Inspector, with the rank of Major, and Major-General of the 
Division of Bucks and Montgomery. He married a daughter of 
John Pugh, and was the father of a family of children all sons and all 
dead. One of his sons, Edward L. inheriting his father's taste for the 
military, served an enlistment of three months in the Doylestown 
Guards at the opening of the Civil War, and a subsequent term of 
three years in the 104th regiment, holding the commissions of Captain 
and Major. He was an excellent officer. General Rogers died in 
1867, his wife preceding him to the grave. He left two monuments 
behind him, evidence of the interest he felt in Doylestown, the cemetery 
and water works, and, but for his thoughtfulness, we doubt if either 
had been built. 

John P. Rogers, the oldest son and child of General Rogers, 
reached considerable local prominence. He was naturally a brilliant 
man, but lack of proper training and discipline, in his youth, marred 
his success in life. He was born at Doylestown, August 10, 1825; 
was educated at the Union Academy and other home schools, read 
law with Eleazar T. McDowell, the brilliant lawyer, but never applied 



16 Mathias IMorris, Attorney at Law, has opened an office at 113 North 
Fifth street, between Race and Vine. He will continue to attend his practice in 
Bucks county and may be found during the sitting of the Courts at James 
Thompson's tavern in Doylestown. Correspondent November i, 1813. 

17 At Philadelphia, 1829, Mathias Morris to Wilhelmina Chapman, daugh- 
ter of Abraham Chapman, all of Doylestown. 



314 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

for admission to the bar. He subsequently learned the printing trade 
in the office of the Lancaster Intelligencer under Colonel John W. 
Forney, was then, for a brii^-f period, editor of the Inland Daily, the 
first daily newspaper publislied at Lancaster. He now returned to 
Doylestown and was connected, for many years, with the Democrat 
and Intelligencer, in charge of their local department. He was a 
prolific newspaper writer, possessed a vein of romance and was a fine 
conversationalist. Mr. Rogers had many excellent traits of character, 
was true to his friends, but hated his enemies with great cordiality. 
His most pretentious and popular contribution, to our local literature, 
was the "History of the Doanes," the celebrated outlaws of Bucks 
county in the Revolutionary period, which is still read with interest. 
At the breaking out of the Civil War, Rogers at once took the side 
of the union, and enlisted in the 104th regiment, but, when the army 
took the field, he was honorably discharged, as he was not robust 
enough for a soldier's life. He was twice married, leaving a son 
named after Roscoe Conkling, the father's ideal of a statesman. John 
P. Rogers died November 27, 1894, in his seventieth year. 

Dr. William S. Hendrie, though of a later generation than the 
families we are writing of, occupied a prominent place in Doylestown 
from the time of settling here. He was born in Sussex county. New 
Jersey, 1798, his father, a Scotchman and a graduate of the Univer- 
sity of Edinburg, coming to America early in life. The son read 
medicine with Dr. Wilson, of Buckingham, and, on being admitted to 
practice, settled at Springtown, this county. After practicing there 
and in Hilltown, for a few years, he came to Doylestown, 1841, and 
took the practice of Dr. James S. Rich, who removed to Churchville, 
and also purchased his dwelling on the south side of East State street 
near Broad, where he died, 1875. While living in Hilltown Dr. 
Hendrie assisted in the capture of the Spaniard, Mina, the murderer 
of Dr. William Chapman, who broke jail while waiting trial. This 
gave him considerable notoriety. Dr. Hendrie occupied the Common 
Pleas bench of Bucks county, for a term of five years as Associate 
Judge. He had two sons and two daughters. The sons both gradu- 
ated in medicine, and served in the Civil War, James D. as Quarter 
Master of the 104th regiment, and Scott, the younger. Assistant Sur- 
geon, James was badly wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks. One of 
the daughters, Julia H. married E. Morris Lloyd, a member of the 
Bucks county bar, and died at St. Louis, Mo., 1892. James D. 




(;EOR(iE LEAR, AT 60. 



nOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 315 

Hendrie, the elder of the two sons, died at Chicago, December 27, 
1900 at the age of seventy years. 

The Lears are a Warwick family of Celtic origin, George Lear, 
the father, being born there in 181 8. He was brought up on 
a farm, and had no opportunity for acquiring an education except at 
the common schools of the period, much inferior to the present day, 
as all will testify, who graduated from them. 

After leaving school, Mr. Lear did his share of work on the 
farm, etc. As it is now well settled, that all men, who would make 
their mark on their generation, must climb upward from the bottom 
rung of the ladder, young Lear had the good sense to begin at the 
right place. When approaching manhood he was, in turn, a school 
teacher, and clerk in a store, in his leisure picking up quite a fund of 
knowledge by reading. He also took a hand in the debating schools 
of the period, the poor boys Parliament. Meanwhile, he paid Court 
to Blackstone and other text books of the legal profession, and, early 
in 1844, entered his name with McDowell as a student of law and was 
admitted to the bar in November of that year. He immediately 
opened an office and began practice. Mr. Lear was married soon 
after his admission and went to house keeping in a brick dwelling on 
East York street, the oldest brick in the borough. He was successful 
at the bar from the beginning, being a good speaker and popular, 
and took the stump, in the Polk and Dallas campaign, 1844, and 
won laurels. 

In 1848, he was appointed Deputy Attorney-General for Bucks, 
and served until 1850. He gradually worked his way to the head of 
the bar and was clothed with other honors, including that of member 
of the Constitutional Convention of i872-'73, taking a leading part in 
the proceedings, and, in 1875, was appointed Attorney-General of 
Pennsylvania by Governor Hartranft, serving four years. After his 
term had expired Mr. Lear persued his profession to his death, 1885, 
at the age of 67. 

The Brocks came to this county early, but it is not known whether 
the Doylestown family are descended from John Brock, of Stockport, 
County of Chester, England, who settled in Lower Makefield about 
1682. The Bucks County Intelligencer of February 7, 1844, in its 
obituary notice of John Brock, gandfather of the late John J. Brock, 
of Doylestown, said : 

"In Philadelphia, January 30, 1848, at the residence of his son. 



3i6 ■ DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

after a protracted affliction, which he endured with the resignation and 
fortitude which ever illumines the approaching exit of those who are 
rich in the hope of a happy immorahty, John Brock, Jr., in the eighty- 
second year of his age. The deceased was a member of the Society 
of Friends, and was eminently distinguished and esteemed for his 
piet3^ benevolence and great excellence of heart. The last few years 
of his life were spent in Philadelphia in the family of his son, where 
he died. In youth he displayed a taste for military life and stood 
guard at the battle of Trenton. At a later period he held a commission 
of Justice of the Peace under Governor McKean for several years, in 
Northampton county, the duties of which he discharged with a 
scrupulous regard to justice. On Fifth day, the ist instance, his 
remains were brought from the city to the house of his son, Stephen 
Brock, in Doylestown and thence taken, followed by numerous 
relations and friends, to the burying ground at Buckingham. 

From the obituary we learn that John Brock, was born, 1762. 
He was one of the Commissioners of the county, 1800, and built the 
handsome stone bridge that year that still spans the Neshaminy at 
Bridge Point. '^ Stephen Brock, the son of John mentioned above, 
was a prominent figure in the political and business life of Doylestown 
and the county to his death, in the 40' s. His wife was a Miss Jones, '9 
and a family of children, sons and daughters were born to them.''" As 
a successful politician, Stephen Brock had no superior in the county, 
his personal popularity carrying him twice into the Sheriff's office as 
an independent candidate against the field. He was also connected 
with the county military and, in 1824, commanded the Centre Union 
Battalion, which formed part of the escort of Lafayette when he 
entered Philadelphia. '■'' 

The late John J. Brock, almost half a century cashier of the Doy- 
lestown State and National Bank, was born, and educated, at Doyles- 
town. His first business venture was store keeping in partnership 
with James B. Smith, son of General Samuel A. Smith, 1844. He 

18 Some years ajjo, the late General George B. McClellan while visiting 
friends near Doylestown, was taken to see the Bridge Point bridge of which he 
spoke in the highest terms. This was a compliment coming from such a dis- 
tinguished engineer. 

19 At Buckingham, F"ebruary 7, 1815, by J. Kooker, Esq., Stephen Brock 
to Miss Mary Jones. 

20 At Doylestown, November 23, 1S39, Mary Brock youngest daughter of 
Stephen Brock. 

21 At Doylestown, November 24, 1842, by the Rev. Samuel Nightingale, 
Josiah Hart to Sarah Brock, daughter of Stephen Brock, of Doylestown. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 317 

sold out to Smith, 1846; was shortly appointed clerk in the bank, and 
elected cashier, 1847, which office he held to his death, 1895. As a 
bank officer he enjoyed an high reputation. He was intimately 
associated with the social and business life of his native town, and ac- 
tive in politics. His wife was Miss Philler, of Philadelphia, to whom 
he was married November 23, 1853. Their death, within a few hours of 
each other, was a sad ending to a happy married life. 

Caleb E. Wright, born at Plymouth, Luzerne county, Pennsyl- 
vania, and admitted to the bar at Wilkesbarre, August 6. 1833, 
settled in practice at Doylestown the following .September. The 
family were early settlers in the Wyoming Valley, coming from New 
England. The son Caleb married Phcebe Ann, daughter of William 
Fell, Buckingham. Mr. Wright was president of the first borough 
council of Doylestown, 1838, and appointed Deputy- Attorney General 
for Bucks, 1839. In 1853, he returned to Wilkesbarre where he con- 
tinued in practice until 1876, when he came back to Doylestown to 
spend the remainder of his life. During his second residence at 
Wilkesbarre, he was appointed to the office of United States Collector 
of Internal Revenue for the counties of Luzerne and Susquehannah, 
1 866-' 69, and, was elected a member of the constitutional convention 
of 1 872-' 73. Mr. Wright, for a number of years, was a local preacher 
in the Methodist Episcopal church. He relinquished the practice of 
the law after his return to Doylestown, devoting his time to literary 
pursuits, and church work. Mr. Wright possessed fine literary 
attainments, and the books he wrote and published were popular. He 
was the son of Joseph and Ellen Hendrick Wright, born February 4, 
1810 and died December 2, 1889. 

Charles H. Mann, a conspicuous figure of the county, in political 
and military life, for several years, was born at Philadelphia and edu- 
cated there, but spent his boyhood in Plumstead township. A har- 
ness maker by trade, he settled at Danborough, four miles above Doy- 
lestown, in 1837, where he followed his trade until 1843, when he 
moved down to the county seat, occupying the dwelling on the north- 
west corner of State and Pine streets. A man of popular manners, he 
made many friends and gained confidence. He held several places of 
public trust, was appointed Postmaster by VanBuren, 1839, but re- 
moved, 1841, when Tyler succeeded Harrison; Deputy Sheriff, 1842- 
'44; Sheriff, 1 845-' 48; captain of the Doylestown Grays-Guards, 
[845- '49; Major, Center- Union Battalion, 1849; and was landlord of 
the F"ountain House, 1 849-' 56. He also kept the Jones House at 



3i8 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Harrisburg, several years, and lived at Towsontown.Md. , 1863-69; pass- 
ing his declining years at Washington, D. C. , with his son Charles, 
who held the office of Assistant Doorkeeper of the United States 
Senate, and was buried at Doylestown, dying there, 1892, at the 
age of eighty- three. He also had two daughters, the elder, Kate, 
an accomplished women; the younger, Elizabeth, becoming the wife 
of George C. Ripley, a nephew of the late Governor Buckingham, of 
Connecticut, a member of the Minneapolis bar. He served on the staff 
of Major-General Casey, Civil War, and gained the rank of Lieutenant 
Colonel. ^^ When Major Mann's old Company, the Doylestown 
Grays-Guards, on its way to Washington at the out-break of the 
Civil War, passed through Baltimore, he rode on one of the gun 
carriages of the Battery it was escorting. 

Stokes L. Roberts, a member of the bar, a genial and agreeable 
figure in the social and professional life of Doylestown, was the son of 
David Roberts, of Newtown, and a descendant of Edward and Mary 
Roberts, who settled in Richland township, 17 16. He was admitted 
to the bar, 1832, began practice at Newtown, but removed to Doyles- 
town in a few years where he died. He was elected to the House of 
Representatives, 1838, and Associate Law Judge of the district, 1872. 
Mrs. Roberts still makes her home at Doylestown, but spends some 
of her time in traveling. The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts 
was the musical centre of our borough over fifty years ago, and this 
accomplished couple dispensed a delightful hospitality at their Court 
street home. All were made welcome who entered its portals. 

Had we the sjjace to spare, we would add the names of a number 
of others who deserve to be placed on our list, among them Timothy 
Smith, ^3 a carpenter by trade, who came from Wrightstown about 
1820, whose wife was Rachel Stokes, aunt of General John S. Bryan. 
He was an active business man, owned " Mount Timothy," but is 
said to have rehiscd to sell it because the would-be buyer was a 
Democrat Smith built the first hay scale in town, about the site of 
Lehman's butcher shop, East State street, near which his dwelling is 
still standing; Samuel Kachline, who appears elsewhere, Charles Wig- 
ton, the descendant of one of the earliest settlers on the slopes of 



22 At Broodmoor, Colorado Springs, May 2, i8go, of plenro-pneumonia, 
Eleanor Buckiiighani Ripley, aged twenty-one years, daughter of George Coit 
and Elizabeth Cartee Ripley, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grand daughter of 
the late E.\-Sheriff, Charles H. Mann, of Doylestown, Pa. 

23 At Doylestown, April 20, 1841, Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Timothy 
Smith, to Robert Williams, of Montgomery county. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 319 

the neighboring highlands, where the old homestead is still in the 
flesh et al. 

Samuel A. Smith, ^^ merchant, politician and General in the 
volunteer militia, was an important factor in the affairs of life when in 
his prime, and made his influence felt. He was the son of James 
Smith and born on the Durham road near Bucksville, Nockamixon 
township, about 1796, and removed to Doylestown when appointed 
Register of Wills, 1824. He held several important offices; Brigade 
Inspector and Major-General of the Militia, Associate Judge of the 
county, served one term in the State .Senate, and three years in the 
House of Representatives of the United States, 1 829-' 32, inckiding 
the unexpired term of Samuel D. Ingham when the latter was 
appointed to Jackson's Cabinet. He was defeated in the Bucks-North- 
ampton district for Congress, 1830. but at the following election was 
returned by a handsome majority. General Smith, and household 
were fortunate in the possession of a most lovely daughter, excelled 
by none. She was the toast of the town and merited all the pleasant 
things that were said to her. She died shortly after coming to woman- 
hood, and the Democrat, in noticing her death, said: 

" Ar Doylestown, 1846, Amanda Smith, daughter of General 
Samuel A. Smith, at the age of twenty-two. A large concource fol- 
lowed to the tomb, one, who, grown up in our midst, had from earliest 
years shared much of the public esteem. We have traced her pro- 
gress from the artless child to the lady of matured loveliness ; adorned 
with matchless, charms, the circle that the purity of her life enriched. 
Duty called her to act in no situation that her sympathetic and virtuous 
impulses did not exalt. But the flower then blooming to the sun 
which universal love hung over, the destroyer has snatched from all 
others to himself. Yet he, whose hand comes marshalled with so 
many terrors touched in relenting gentleness the form he would not 
mar, for, saving that the pulse was dead the watchers knew not but 
the victim slept. The pangs of disease, for so many months insiduously 
wasted the springs of life, were born with the spirit of a christian 
martyer, and to the close of this trial, none looked with more com- 
posure than herself. Let the mourners be consoled, for in this 
transition, to the happier world, there is much to sweeten the parents 



24 In Doylestown, the 23rd of May, 1818. by the Rev. Uriah DuBois, Sam- 
uel A. Smith, Esq., to Miss Elizabeth Bloom, daughter of Colonel Christopher 
Bloom, all of Rockhill township. 



320 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

tears, relieve the sister's anguish, and disrobe the general mind of 
gloom." 

The Shavvs came to this section honi the lower end of the county, 
first settling in Southampton and Northampton townships. John 
Shaw, the elder, was in Plumstead, in 1748, and later appointed a 
tax collector for the crown in that township, where his son, an in- 
keeper, was born. In 1792 the latter bought a messuage and three 
tracts of land in Warwick township, now in Doylestown borough, "at 
the crossing of the roads to Well's ferry and the Dyer's Mill Road," 
the present State and Main streets. The first tract of two acres, was 
in Warwick, the other one in New Britain, northwest of Court street. 
On first coming to Doylestown, John Shaw opened a store on the 
Warwick tract, but subsequently purchased, of Enoch Harvey, the 
tavern property formerly Flack's, now the site of Lenape Building. In 
1795. he bought the Robinson -s tavern property, and removed thither, 
but, 1799, he sold the property to his son John. In June, 1798, John 
Shaw, the elder, was Justice of the Peace for the district of Bedmin- 
ster, but removed to New Britain on the Mercer tract, where he died. 
The following obituary notice appeared in one of the village news- 
papers at Mr. Shaw's death: 

" At his residence in New Britain, May 18, 1818, after a confine- 
ment of nearly four months, John Shaw, Esq., aged seventy-four 
years, for many years a respected magistrate of Bucks count3^ He 
was the oldest magistrate in the county but one, being commissioned 
l.iy Governor Mifflin. He removed from Bedminster to New Britain, 
in 1802. He was a Whig in the Revolution, and, while enthusiastic 
in the great cause, he did not forget the tender treatment that was 
due to his neighbors, who differed in sentiment from him. Before his 
death, he selected two appropriate Psalms, one, the sixty-first, 
beginning, 

" When overwhelmed with grief. 

My heart within me dies." 

John .Shaw, the elder, was the father of seven children, John, 
Josiah Y.,^^ who passed his life in Doylestown and died here, Francis 
B. , member of the Doylestown bar, Martha, Mary, William a physi- 



25 There is a question whether this tavern was at Dublin or Pipersville. 

26 Josiah ^^ .Shaw was a Justice of the Peare, and l^rij^ade Inspector of 
MiUtia, 1.S09. 



f-^' 'Jl,,^ "■" ' "^ 



17T-1— rr 




m 



nOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 321 

cian of Philadelphia, and Thompson D. Shaw, -7 who entered the U. 
S. Nav3% as a Midshipman and died a Commodore. =^ The late James 
Shaw was a son of Josiah Y. The name is sometimes spelled Shawe.^^ 
Jerome Buck, a dcscentlant of John Shaw, was one of the most 
brilliant men horn in Doylestown. His mother was a daughter of 
Josiah Y. Shaw, and liis father, Samuel E. Buck, a descendant of 
Nicholas Buck, wIki came of an ancient family of Lorain, and setded 
in this county, 1752. Jerome was born May 18, 1835; educated in 
the Philadelphia schools and at Tremont Seminary, Norristown, read 
law with John Titus, the second husband of his mother, was a member 
of the Doylestown bar, and subsequently Chief Justice of Arizona. 
Mr. Buck practiced law in New York and died there, 1900. He was 
an eloquent speaker, and brilliant conversationlist, and some of his 
addresses were master pieces of English. In his leisure he entered 
the field of literature, and was prominent in the Masonic order. 

The Pn(,dis were long settled at Doylestown, but are older in the 
county. The ancestor, Hugh Pugh, a Welsh immigrant, settled in 
Chester county about 1725. There he married Mary Harris, whose 
family gave the name to Harrisburg our State Capital. From Chester 
county they removed to the east bank of the Schuylkill, near Norris- 
town, wlience the son Daniel, born January 17, 1730, came to Hill- 
town, r>ucks county, about 1750, married a daughter of the Rev. 
William B. Thomas, and died, 18 13. He was the ancestor of the 
Bucks county family of the name, and John, his eldest son, born in 
Hilltown, June 2, 1761, was the progenitor of the Doylestown l^ranch. 
He was twice married, his first wife being Rachel Bates, the second, 
Elizabeth Owen, both of Hilltown. John Pugh became a prominent 
m;ui in county, state and national politics, serving four consecutive 
years in the State Legislature, two terms in the House of Representa- 
tives of the United States, fourteen years Register and Recorder of 
Deeds of the county, rounding out his ofttcial life by holding the 

27 At Burlington, N. J., September 2, 1S24, Midshipman Thompson D. 
Shaw, U. S. N.. of Doylestown, to Miss Louisa C. Sprogell, youngest daughter 
of the late Edward Sprogell, Esq., of Philadelphia. 

28 The naval record of Commodore Shaw shows that he was appointed a 
Midshipman May 1820; reported for duty on board the Constellation, May 30, 
1820; ordered from Philadelphia to Boston to Constitution, March 17, 1821; com- 
missioned Lieutenant, Marcii 31, 1829, to take rank from May iS, 1828; com- 
missioned a commander on the active list, January 6, 1859, to take rank from 
August 7, 1850; commissioned a Commodore on the retired list, October 4, 
1S67 ; died at Germantown, Pa., July 26, 1874. 

29 hi Dovlestown, January i, 1832, after a long illness, Mrs. Agnes Shaw, 
widow of the late John Shaw, Esq.. in the ninetieth j'ear of her ap;e. 



322 DOYLESTOWN. OLD AND NEW. 

commission of Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years. He came 
to Doylestown with the removal of the county seat, from Newtown, 
1813, and died here 1842 at the age of eighty-one. John Pugh had 
two children, the late John B. Pugh, Esq., and a daughter who 
married General William T. Rogers. The son, John B. Pugh, born 
May 20, 1809, was educated at a Baptist College at Georgetown, 
D. C., and the University of Pennsylvania, read law with Mathias 
Morris, and admitted to the bar, 1830. The practice of law being 
distasteful to him, he soon relinquished il. Governor Porter appointed 
him Prothonotary of the County, 1S39, and he held the office of Justice 
of the Peace for forty-five years. Being fond of military affairs, he 
assisted to recruit and organize the Doylestown Grays, and served 
as First Lieutenant and Captain. In 1845, Mr. Pugh married Eliza- 
beth L., daughter of Judge John Fox, who died, 1885, and he May 
28, 1898, five children surviving them, three sons and two daughters. 
Mr. Pugh was one of the most scholarly members of the bar. The 
late Edward L. Rogers, Major of the 104th Pa. Regiment, Civil 
War, was a grandson of John Pugh, the elder. ^" 

One of the most prominent families, in the immediate vicinity of 
Doylestown in the past, was that of Dr. Samuel Moore, who was 
born in West Jersey. He married a daughter of Dr. Robert Patter- 
son, the first Director of the United States Mint at Philadelphia, and 
settled at Bridge Point, a mile below Doylestown. Soon after being 
admitted to practice, and married, 1798; Dr. Moore located at the 
village of Dublin, Bedminster township, but subsequently removed to 
Trenton. Delicate health drove him from his profession, and he 
spent the next nine years trading to the East Indies. Returning to 
Bucks coimty, 1808, he purchased the grist and oil mills at Bridge 
Point, where he erected a saw mill, with shops and dwellings, store and 
school house and, afterward, a woolen factory. On an elevated site 
he erected a beautiful dwelling for himself, now owned by Thomas 
Hadden, and long the home of Aaron Fries, of Philadelphia. Dr. 
Moore resided there several years and carried on a prosperous business. 
He was one of the most active in the erection of the first Pres- 
byterian church at Doylestown, and the heaviest contributor, giving 
two hundred dollars. He was elected to congress, 18 18 to fill the 
vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Ingham, and was twice re- 
elected. In 1824, Dr. Moore was a[)j)ointed Director of the Mint at 

30 Some of the families, noticed in this chapter, are briefly mentioned else- 
where, but it could not well be avoided in making; the text complete. 



nOYLESTOW'X. OI.D AND NEW. 



Pliiladelpliia to succeed Dr. Patterson, his father-in-law, but retired 
from ofTfice, 1835, and devoted the rest of his life to private affairs. 
His eldest dau-.j^hter, Emily P. born March 9, 1799, was married April 
16, 1828, to John Beatty, a son of Dr. Readings Beatty, of this county, 
and grandson of the distinguished Rev. Charles Beatty, a graduate of 
the T.og- College. She died at ht.r father's house, in Philadelphia, 
Jul\- 17, 1829. Mr. Beatty married, for a second wife, Miss Mary 
Asheton, of Evansburg, Pa.; spent many years of his life in Doyles- 
town, and both himself and wife died here. He was a conspicuous 
tigure. and active in the church. 



ioi)le0tonin, C^lb anh llm. 

XXXI 
A Building Period. 

The decade, from 1870 to 1880, was probabl}^ the most pros- 
perous Doylestown ever experienced, especially in the erection of 
costly buildings. The first step was the organization of the " Doyles- 
town Building and Loan Association," in 1870, Henry T. Darlington, 
president, and John J. Brock, treasurer. 

At the first annual meeting, of this new enterprise, held April 29, 
187 1, the following figures exhibited its condition: During the year 
seven loans, of $200 had been sold at a premium of $35 and the earn- 
ings for the same time were reported, as follows: Dues, interest and 
fines $11,805.10; advanced by treasurer, $74. 10; orders drawn, 72 
loans, $11,549.75; expenses and interest refunded, $329.35, making 
$11,879. 10. Assets; uKn'tgages, $14,400; due from stockholders, $70.50- 
$14,470.50; less due treasurer, $74; net assets, $14,396.50; profits, 
premiums, $2,850.25; inst. and fines, $495.50, $2,325.35; less ex- 
penses and interest refunded, $329.35; net profits, $2,996.50; pres- 
ent value of one share, $17.99 9-16; amount paid on each share, 
$14.25; gain in fourteen months, each share, $3.74 9-16. The 
association ran its alloted time fixed I^y the charter, when it was 
wound up, each one receiving a dividend according to the numljer of 
shares he held. It was well managed, and to the interest of each in- 
vestor. 

Following the " Building and Loan Association," was the open- 
ing of an office for the purchase and sale of real estate. 

Offices, for handling real estate and conveyancing, had been 

324 



DOYLESrOVVN. OLD AND NEW. 325 

opened many years before, but a small success met the effort. The 
first of either was a real estate office opened by the late General Will- 
iam T. Rogers, 1831, but it is not known how long he continued. 
The following year Joseph H. Purdy, son of William Purdy, the 
Prothonotary, opened an ofifice for conveyancing, but it was short 
lived. He was a fine penman and should have succeeded, but he 
shortly removed to Trenton, married a daughter of the Rev. E. F. 
Cooley, of Ewing, N. J., and died there June 12, 1842, in his 
twenty-eighth year. The next, to venture, in this line of business, 
was Randall Maddock, the same who was previously Postmaster at 
Doylestown, and established a rural free delivery of letters from the 
crown of his hat; but real estate had no charm for him, and he soon 
quit it. At a later period, George Hart, Esq., a member of the 
bar, opened a conveyancing office in the McDowell dwelling, east side 
of North Main street, and continued it several years, to his death. 
He was a good penman and wrote many mortgages, and other legal 
documents. They were not printed in blank then, as now, but the 
whole instrument had to be written out, generally on parchment. 
This was the case with the Sheriff's deeds, not infrequently given to 
a young attorney to write. At that day there were no printed blanks 
in use for any purpose. 

The heaviest real estate transactions, in Doylestown, was by the 
firm of T. O. Atkinson & Co. Mr. Atkinson, who had been a store- 
keeper for several years at Penn's Park, Wrightstown township, came 
to Doylestown, January i, 1871, and entered into the real estate 
business with A. J. Larue, under the firm name of A. J. Larue & 
Co. , and they continued together for over a year. In the spring of 
1872, Samuel A. Firman, likewise a country store-keeper, at Carvers- 
ville, and other places, including a years' experience with Stoddard 
& Brother, Philadelphia, came to Doylestown, and shortly he and 
Atkinson entered into the real estate and general agency business 
under the firm name of T. O. Atkinson & Co. They remained to- 
gether several years, their business growing to large proportions, 
greater than ever before in the county in that line, their transactions, 
some years, amounting to half a niilli(Mi dollars. They struck it at 
"flood tide," and it led on to foitune. There was a boon in real 
estate, at this period, and as the firm were liberal advertisers, printers' 
ink was an excellent agency in pushing their business. They dissolved 
in 1 88 1, by Mr. Firman withdrawing and going into business alone, 
including the buying and selling of real estate. 

Mr. Atkinson, meanwhile, continued the business until 1886, 



326 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

when, upon the organization of the Bucks County Trust Company, 
he connected himself with that corporation as trust officer, closing 
out his real estate transactions, except such as were in the interest of 
the company, and of which he took charge. He is still with the 
Trust Company, but Mr. Firman, his old partner, is deceased, dying 
December 2, 1897 at the age of seventy-one. Mr. Atkinson has been 
very useful to the borough, in his handling of real estate during his 
connection with the Trust Company; being the means of bringing 
several parcels of land into the market, and adding to the improved 
parts of the borough. He took charge of Samuel Green's real estate 
at his death, cut it up into building lots, offered it at public sale, dis- 
posing of it at fair prices. The most of it has since been built upon. 
In the same period, 1 886-' go, Mr. Atkinson handled the real estate 
of Lewis B. Thompson, deceased, in the northeast section of the 
borough. It was likewise cut up into building lots and sold at public 
sale, and, many of these lots have been built upon. The last transaction 
of the kind that Mr. Atkinson had charge of, for the Bucks County 
Trust Company, was in 1894, when he brought into the market the 
eligibly situated real estate of Captain H. J. C Taylor, deceased, the 
Trust Company being guardian for the minor children. The tract 
was bounded by South Main, York, Pine and Ashland streets; the 
sale taking place the afternoon of June 16. It was cut up into twenty- 
three building lots; all were sold at fair prices, and, since the sale, 
many of the lots have been built upon. 

The first building operation of any consequence, in the decade of 
70-'8o, was the erection of a new Presbyterian church, iS7i-"72, on 
the site of tiie original, built i8i5-'i6, and the remodeled old one of 
1845. The architect was Addison Hutton, Philadelphia, whose plans 
and specifications were delivered early in April, and the woik put 
under contract. 

The building is "a basement church," with the audience room 
on the next floor above, ninety feet in length and sixty in breadth^ 
capable of seating six hundred and fifty persons. A tower, with a 
spire 150 feet high, stands at the southwest angle; the pul])!! is re- 
cessed, and the basement contains a lecture room with seats for 
about one hundred and fifty, and a class room for Sunday School. It 
is built of brown stone, from Charles Rotzell's quarry, and is a hand- 
some and imposing structure facing Court street instead of Church, as 
was the case with the old building. The stone work, of the tower proper. 



nOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 327 

is seventy-four feet high, strengthened by buttresses at the corners and 
angles, with ornamented dormers where the spire sets upon it. The 
main entrance is on the ground floor through a hu-ge double door into 
a vestibule twelve leet wide. There are three blocks of pews, in the 
audience room, which has an open ceiling, sixteen feet to the square. 
The walls are two feet thick, except the front and rear walls of the 
first story, which are two feet six inches. The audience room is 
lighted by five windows on each side and three large tripple windows, 
one over the pulpit, and another in the opposite end over a gallery 
running the whole width of the building. 

The corner stone was laid on June 21, in the presence of a con- 
siderable number of persons, members of the church and congrega- 
tion and others attracted by the ceremonies. The services were 
simple but impressive, Dr. Andrews opening them with some apt 
remarks touching the occasion, and the circumstances that had 
brought them together. He said the old church had stood fifty-five 
years and its walls had been taken down to be built up in the new 
structure, concluding with a brief invocation to the Deity to direct the 
work to be done. After reading a few appropriate selections, from 
the Bible, he introduced the Rev. Dr. Mutchmore, of Philadelphia, 
who made the address of the occasion, and then formally laid the 
corner stone. In the box, inserted in the cavity cut in the stone and 
the whole hermetically sealed, were deposited a number of articles, 
including the history of the church. The corner stone, the gift of 
Mathew Gibney, was dressed and lettered by Thomas Hargrave and 
put in place by Francis Adleman, all of Doylestown, and long since de- 
ceased. The box was now lowered into its resting place and the 
audience quietly dispersed. 

The new building was not finished until the following May, 1872, 
when the services of dedication occupied portions of three days, the 
i6th, 17th and i8th, with a large and interested audience. They 
were opened by the Rev. Dr. Andrews, at eleven o'clock, Thursday 
morning, delivering an appropriate prayer, followed by the choir, 
singing an anthem, Martin Hulshizer playing the organ. Dr. An- 
drews next delivered an address, taking for his text, the eighth chap- 
ter of the first book of Kings, which refers to the building of the 
Temple of Jerusalem. In his comments he saiil, among other 
things, that we have in scripture ample authority for dedicating houses 
to God's service. This was followed by a prayer from the Rev. Rob- 



328 DOYLESTOWN, OLD ANi:) NEW. 

ert P. DuBois, the audience rising. The choir now sang a dedicatory 
hymn, opening: 

"And will the great eternal God, 
On earth establish his abode ? 
And will He from His radiant throne. 
Accept our temple for His own? 

Dr. Andrews next announced that the house "has been dedicated 
to tlie worship of Ahiiighty God," etc. He was followed by the 
Rev. Dr. R. H. Allen, Philadelphia, in a discourse from the sixteenth 
chapter of Mark, thirty-sixth and fortieth verses, the choir singing a 
Psalm, of which the first verse reads : 

" 1 love his kingdom, Lord, 

The house of thine abode ; 
The church of blest Redeemer saved 

With His own precious blood. 

The greater part of the rest of the morning was consumed in the 
pastor's statement touching the cost of the new edifice, saying that 
only $4,000 are needed to liquidate the balance of the indebtedness. 
A collection was then taken but the amount received was not given; 
remarks followed by the Rev. Mr. Jewett, of New Brunswick, New 
Jersey, and the congregation was dismissed. In the afternoon the 
Rev. Dr. Beadle, Philadelphia, preached a sermon. On Friday morn- 
ing the number in attendance was greater and listened to a sermon 
from the Rev, Dr. Bread, Philadelphia. On Saturday, the Rev. 
Louis R. Fox preached in the morning, and the Rev. Robert P. Du- 
Bois on Sunday morning. An interesting incident, of the services on 
the Sabbath, was the baptism of Mary Andrews Thompson, grand- 
daughter of the pastor of the church. The collections, during the 
dedicatory services, were $700.' 

The erection of " Lenape Building," following the Presbyterian 
church, was the gieatest building improvement in Doylestown, on 
private capital, before or since. This was in 1874. The late Henry 
T. Darlington, then editor and proprietor of the Buc/iS Counly Intelli- 
gencer, in common with other citizens, appreciating the necessity of a 
public hall at the county seat, had previously obtained from the Legis- 
lature an Act incorporating the " Doylestown Imi)rovement Com- 



I Joseph Updegrove, born in this county, June 20, 182 1, and died at Doyles- 
town, 1896, was sexton of the church thirty years. He was descended from 
Herman Opdem (iriuff, who was a delegate from Crefeld to the Mennonite 
Council at Dordrecht, 1682. Three brothers, Herman, Dirck Isaacs and 
Abraham LIpden Gricff, came to America in October, 168S. and shared with 
Pastorious the honor of foimding Germantown. 



DOYLESTOVVN, OLD ANM) NEW. 329 

pany." In the early spring of 1874, '^ ^^w energetic persons, who took 
an interest in the proposed building, began canvassing for stock sub- 
scriptions, and, meeting with success, other steps were taken. Stock, 
to the amount of $25,000, was subscribed in all, the balance of the 
money needed being left for a mortgage. The company was now 
organized, with Mr. Darlington for President of the board of trustees, 
and W. W. H. Davis cliairman of the building committee. The 
next thing to be done, was the selection of a proper site for the 
building, the choice falling upon the lot at the southeast corner of 
Main and State streets. It was then occupied as a public inn, the 
oldest inn in the borough, known as the " Ship Tavern " in the long 
ago, but, in later }'ears, called by the name of its proprietor. It was 
purchased of the trustees of Mrs. Abigail Barndt, widow of Aaron 
Barndt, for $12,000 and conveyed t.) the Improvement Company, 
April 15, 1874. The next thing was to consult an architect and get 
his views as to the kind of building that should be erected on the site. 
The choice fell on Hutton and Cernea, Philadelphia, the latter being 
the son of the late Dr. Cernea, Buckingham township, this county. 
They were employed, the drawings and working plans soon com- 
pleted and accepted, mechanics secured, the old building torn down 
and the new one put under contract. 

This was a notable corner, in Doylestown, and one of the most 
accessible for its purpose, at the crossing of the two great highways 
that first cut this section, one leading from Philadelphia to Easton, 
the other from Coryell's Ferry on the Delaware to the Schuylkill. A 
noted inn had stood on this corner for about a century, and the follow- 
ing were its owners for eighty years prior to its conveyance to the 
Improvement Company: 

In 1794, Christian Wertz conveyed it to John Shaw; 1801, John 
Shaw to Josiah Shaw; 1801, Josiah Shaw to John Shaw, Jr.; 1804, 
John Shaw, Jr., to John Worman; 1808, John Worman to Isaac 
Morris; 181 2, Isaac Morris to Adam Shearer; 18 13. Adam Shearer 
to John Hough and Timothy Smith; 18 14, John Hough to Samuel 
Flack; 1818, Samuel Flack to Jacob Kohl; 1830, Jacob Kohl to 
Elnathan Pettit; 1837, Elnathan Pettit to Stephen Brock; 1837, 
Stephen Brock to Richard Leedom, Richard Leedom to Benjamin 
Morris; 1851, James Gilkyson, Administrator, of Benjamin Morris, 
to Pearson \V. Hyde; 1852, Pearson W. Hyde to A. H. Barber; 



330 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

1858, A. H. Barber^ to Aaron Barndt, and April i, 1874, the trustee 
of Abagail Barndt, widow of Aaron Barndt, conveyed it to the 
Doylestown laipiovement Company. Among these landlords, two 
reached the office of High Sherif? of the county, Brock and Morris, 
and one, Leedoni, was noted for plaj'ing the violin. 

Lenape Building was finished by the middle of November, and 
the Hall dedicated on the evening of the 17th. The ceremonies were 
imposing and the attendance very large, the number present being 
estimated at eight hundred, probably the largest audience ever seated 
under one roof in Doylestown, since John B. Gough lectured in the 
exhibition building. The Rev. Silas M. Andrews delivered an address 
both unique and entertaining. The music for the occasion was in 
charge of Thomas E. Harkens, of Philadelphia, and was said to have 
been better than any previously heard in Doylestown. The erection 
of the building, which cost $50,000, and the most imposing in the 
county, was quite an achievement under the circumstances. It fronts 
ninety feet on State street, seventy-four feet six inches on Main, and 
is three stories high with cellar underneath. It is built of pressed 
brick, on Main and State streets, laid in dark mortar, the fronts 
trimmed and ornamented with belt courses of Wilwaukie brick, 
Cleaveland and brown stone with brick panels. The first story is 
divided into three stores on State street and two on Main, the hall, on 
the .second story, seats eight hundred people, with a gallery, has a 
stage thirty-nine feet eight inches long by twenty-six feet six inches 
wide with a drop curtain, and is well lighted with side brackets and 
foot lights. On the third floor are two handsome Lodge rooms. The 
drop curtain to the stage, one of the most inviting features of Lenape 
Hall, was painted by Thomas P. Otter, the artist. The scene repre- 
sents a market day in Luino, one of the many towns that fringe the 
beautiful lake of Maggiora, Italy. At the angle of State and Main 
streets, a corner is cut off twelve feet across and carried to full height 
in which is a clock, a present from a lady of Doylestown. 

Among the features of Lenape Building, was a market house on 
the ground floor, south side under the hall. A few years prior, bor- 

2 A. H. Barber was born at Oakdale, N. J., March 27, 1S09 ; came to this 
county when a boy; beijan life in a store at Luniberville ; next kept a general 
store at Lower Black's Eddy and came to Doylestown, 1851. He was a useful 
citizen and a mainstay of the Doylestown Agricultural and Mechanics' Institute ; 
a member of Council and held other borough offices ; was Census Enumerator 
for Bucks county, 1850, member of Lodge No. 94, I. O. (). F. He died August 
12, 189S, and his wife, nee Asenath Carver, died 1885. 




NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1871-2. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 331 

ough council established a street market, farmers' wagons standing on 
Main and State streets, and it was so well patronized, the Improve- 
ment Company felt justified in putting market accommodations in 
Lenape. It was equipped with stalls and other conveniences, and 
was well attended by farmers and customers at first, but they gradu- 
ally fell oft. The market was then closed and fitted up for other 
purposes, the post ofifice being there for several years. 

The erection of a new Court House that had been agitated several 
years without success, many reasons being urged against it, among 
others the great cost. While the old building answered every purpose 
when built and for many years after, the business of the courts had out- 
grown the accommodations. It lacked every modern convenience. 
The question was brought before the Grand Jury, court after court, and 
year after year, with the same result. It required the endorsement 
of two consecutive Grand Juries, but tliis was hard to get. There was 
no difficulty in getting the approval of one Grand Jury, but, when the 
second was asked for, political and other interests prevented its appro- 
val. The politicians, of tlie lower end of the county, had a lingering 
hope of ha\'ing the county divided, and it took a longtime to disabuse 
their minds. They had sometimes come very near it. At the April 
term of court, 1S77, the efforts, of the advocates of a new Court 
House, were crowned with success, a second Grand Jury approving 
it. The two main factors, in the effort for a new Court House, were 
the Doylestown Democrat and Bucks County Intelligencer, and their 
editors, who advocated it persistently. 

In the report of the Grand Jury, to the Court of Quarter Sessions, 
touching the erecti<:)n of a new Court House, that body made the 
following recommendation: 

"Having viewed the Court House and public olifices, we find 
them inadequate for the purpose used, and, after an earnest considera- 
tion of the subject, in all its bearings, recommend the erection of a 
new Court House on the site of the present one, at a cost, we think, 
that should not exceed one hundred thousand dollars. ' ' The report was 
sighed, "'J. S. Williams, Foreman" and dated April 26, 1877. The 
same day the court approved and signed the report, as follows : 

"The within, report and recommendation therein, approved. 
The clerk is directed to furnished a certified copy, and of the appro- 
val, to the County Commissioners. ' ' 

By the Court, April 26, 1877. 

(Signed) Richard Watson, P. J. 
Joseph Morrison, A. J. 



332 DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 

This completed the struggle for a new Court House at Doyles- 
town, and the Board of County Commissioners now became respon- 
sible for carrying out the recommendation of the Grand Jury and 
the Court. 

The Commissioners, being authorized to demolish the old build- 
ing and replace it with a new one, "did not stand on the order" 
of their getting to work. They employed Addison Hutton as archi- 
tect, one of the same, who made the drawings for Lenape Building ; 
he took the matter in hand at once, and, on Saturday, June i6, the 
[)lans were on exhibition in the old Court room; they were accepted, 
and proposals, for the erection of the new building, advertised for. 
The contract was awarded to James Doyle, of Philadelphia. Pre- 
paratory to taking down the old building, the books and papers of the 
offices were transferred to Lenape, and the Courts were held in the 
hall of that building while the new Court House was being built, and 
made ready for occupancy. The new Court House does not occupy 
the exact site of the old one, as its increased size compelled its 
location a few feet farther west to avoid the jail, which was not removed 
until several years later. In a short time the premises were alive with 
laborors, masons, bricklayers, carpenters, etal; the hum of industry 
greeted one's ear on every side, and the work was pushed with vigor 
in order to get the building under cover before winter set in. 

The corner stone of the new Court House was laid at five o'clock 
Wednesday afternoon, October 3, 1877, with impressive and appropri- 
ate ceremonies, in the presence of a large audience. Judge Henry P. 
Ross took the chair, metaphorically speaking, and made some fitting 
remarks, when the Rev. Mr. Sheip offered up a prayer. This was 
followed by music, after which General Davis made a brief address 
suitable to the occasion. He opened with a reference to the settle- 
ment of the county, the organization of the courts and the building of 
Court Houses, closing as follows: 

" If the Court House be a temple, wherein Justice is enshrined, 
the attorneys are the priests who minister at the altar. The spotless 
Goddess, which presides in this cloister, accepts the devotion of no 
unworthy worshipper. A profession, which embodies the legal learn- 
ing of the world; which has been the safeguard of constitutional 
liberty since Magna Charta was wrested from an unwilling monarch; 
which divides, with the christian minister, the last office at the bedside 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 53;^ 

of the dying, and adjusts the most delicate affairs of life, cannot afford 
to have a blot on its robes. 

"The just lawyer, and the christian minister, meeting at the dy- 
ing bed, the one to give counsel in the proper settlement of worldly 
affairs, the other to prepare the departing soul for a h;ippy immortal- 
ity, form a sacred link between the church and the Court House. 
Impurity cannot exist in either without destroying, utterly, its use- 
fulness. While all ages have lavished wealth in the erection of beauti- 
ful temples for the worship of God, is it not meet and proper that we 
honor the temple of Justice, a co-laborer with the church ? This 
edifice, then, whose corner stone we this day lay, and which is rapidly 
rising from its foundations to completion, under the hands of skilled 
mechanism, is a fitting tribute to the sacred profession of the law. 
When finished, the blind goddess, with poised scales, will open wide 
her portals, and summon her worshippers to consecrate this new temple 
to the cause of Justice, Mercy and Truth." 

The Honorable Richard Watson now proceeded to lay the corner 
stone, accompanied by some well chosen remarks. This was followed 
by a prayer and benediction, by the Rev. V. H. Berghaus, and the 
affair was concluded. 

In the corner stone was put a leaden box containing thirty-six 
different articles, including a copy of the report of Thomas W. 
Cernea, one of the architects, concerning the new Court House, July 
25, 1875, names of county and borough officers, photograph of old 
Court House, copy of address at laying of corner stone, copies 
of county newspapers, school law of Pennsylvania, papers relating 
to the last legal proceedings in the old Court House, circular ol 
Doylestown Seminary, etc. 

The Court House was tinished in the early fall of 1878, when 
the public officers took possession of their offices and the business oi 
the courts went on in their new cjuarters. The room, now tht- 
Sheriff's office, was used for sometime, as the post office, Thomas P. 
Miller being then the postmaster. During the building of the Court 
House, one of the laborers, Charles Kiser, accidently fell through the 
sky-light, and was killed. He was a soldier of the Civil War, serving 
in Company D, 104th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and "more'slhe pity" 
that a soldier of the Union should be killed in this common place way. 

The tall and symmetrical flag sVdfi, on the southeast corner of 
the Court House green, has an interesting history. It was presented 



334 nOM.ESTOW X. OLD ANl^ NEW. 

to the borough, with permission of the County Commissioners to plant 
it where it stands, by Dr. P>ank Swartzlander, the elder, 1897. 
He was moved, to make this unique gift to Doylestown, because there 
was no fitting place, at the county seat, to fly the National flag from, 
on public occasions. After careful inquiry, the Doctor found, what 
suited him, in the Spar Yard, of David Baird, Camden on the Dela- 
ware, and engaged him to fashion the two sticks into a flag staff, 
which occupied several months. 

The flag staff stands one hundred and sixty -four feet out of ground 
and ten feet under, embedded in cement. The main mast is of Oregon 
pine, one hundred and eleven feet long, thirty-three and a half inches 
in diameter at the butt, and twenty-two at the top, was brought 
around Cape Home to Philadelpliia, and laid in the Delaware season- 
ing for seven years. Dr. Swartzlander bought the stick as a log in 
the water, and had it dressed at Mr. Baird' s spar yard. The top 
mast, bought at the same place, in the rough, is seventy-six feet long, 
with splice off, of Michigan spruce, five inches in diameter at the ex- 
treme top. The flag stafT, as a whole, was proportioned by Mr. Baird 
so as to make it an ideal of symmetry, and is the tallest and largest 
wooden flag staff in the country. It is rigged with a double set of 
halyards for two flags. The flag, that flys from the top of the staff, 
is of the largest garrison size, and was also the gift of Dr. Swartz- 
lander. 

The next event of interest occurring, in this decade, was the 
celebrating of Doylestown' s Centennial, March i, 1878. This date 
was fixed, because, on this day, 1778, the name, as now spelled, was 
first written on an olificial document. Prior to this, the name was 
neither written, nor spelled, as at present, but, beginning with " Doyles 
Tavern," the name of the hamlet was written in various ways. The 
day was pleasant, and the attendance large, of both neighbors and 
strangers. Preparations for the event had been making for some time. 

Our own people were at work, early in the morning decorating 
their dwellings and places of business, and flags of all nations streamed 
from the house tops, including a large Papal flag from the Catholic 
church. The incoming trains added to the crowds that thronged the 
streets. In the forenoon there was a procession representing trades 
and occupations, some on floats, led by the Nagle Rifles and a band. 
The printing offices were represented by a Gordon press; plumbers 
and tiimers by implements of their handicraft; the blacksmiths had a 
horse mounted on a wagon and undergoing the process of shoeing as 



DOYLKSTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 335 

he passed through the streets, and other industries of llie borough 
were represented by something that reminded the onlooking pul)lic of 
their presence. In the procession were the various Ilenehci il .Socie- 
ties, the Boys of America in uniform, tlie Doylestown Hose Company, 
the machine being drawn by a party of young men; a lar^e display of 
vehicles from Aaron Kratz's wagon factory and a miscellaneous 
cavalcade brought up the rear of the procession, occupying an hour 
in passing a single point. 

The literary exercises, of the occasion, were held in thc^ attcrnoon 
in Lenape Hall, which a Philadelphia party had decorated l)eautifully, 
and was crowded almost to suffocation. Dr. George T. Marvey, 
chairman of the General Conmiittee called the au(1ience together at 
two o'clock, and announced the names of the Vice Presidents: Joseph 
Harvey, John Beatty, John Cox, Samuel Nightingale, Samuel F. 
DuBois, John B. Pugh, Samuel Hall and Charles Wigton, all now de- 
ceased, including the chairman. The stage was filled with distin- 
guished guests. 

The exercises were opened with a selection by Brock's orchestra, 
followed by a prayer from the Rev. Silas M. Andrews, D. D. , and an 
ode by Caleb E. Wright, Esq., whose first stanza ran: 

" Britains may ;2:lory in London the great. 

F"renchnien rejoice in their town by the Sein; 
Russians emboss'd in their ice, view in State, 

Peter's doomed city on Baltic's rough main. 
We are less lofty, but loving as well 

Homes that our forefathers won by their toil; 
Town of the hilltop, of all towns the belle. 

Proud city hereafter, city of Doyle." 

This was followed by a poem by Miss Carrie Ltxb, Historical 
Address, by W. W. H. Davis, which covered the leading events in 
the history of Doylestown, from its settlement; an oration, by Judge 
Richard Watson, and, upon his conclusion, the exercises were closed 
with a benediction by the Rev. Levi C. Sheip. In the evening there 
was a dramatic entertaiment in Lenape Hall by home talent. 

Among the prominent people present, at this Centennial celebra- 
tion, were Count Dassi, of Italy. Ex-Senator Simon Cameron, George 
W. Cliilds, Philadelphia, General John Davis, Attorney-General Lear, 
judge Henry P. Ross, Hon. I. Newton Evans, State Senators Allen 
and Yerkes, and many others. 

The Society of Doylestown was never more brilliant, if its equal, 
than in the seventies, the ladies of Saint Paul's Protestant Episcopal 



336 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

church leading in the gayeties. In 1868, the Rev. Hurley Baldy was 
called to the rectorship, and himself and wife encouraged these pleas- 
ures. One of the most important factors was the "Mite Society," 
organized by the ladies of the church and congregation, married and 
single, mothers and daughters, all taking equal interest in making it 
a success. It met at private houses one evening a week, invitations 
being given without regard to church affiliation. The attractions 
were vocal and instrumental music tableaux, charades, character 
plays, etc. The mite box was always on the piano, and it yielded 
more than the "widow's mite." Refreshments were taboo' d, and 
no house wife had the courage to break the law. The attendance was 
generally large, as many as a hundred being present on a single eve- 
ning, when 

"All went merry as a marriage bell." 

The leaders, in these social pleasures, were Mrs. Baldy, Mrs. Ross, 
Mrs. Pugh, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Brock, Mrs. Lyman, Mrs. Gilkyson, 
Mrs. Ely, Mrs. James, Mrs. Yerkes, Mrs. Worthington, Mrs. Mich- 
ener, Mrs. Harvey, Mrs. McCoy, and others whose names we do not 
recall, forming as splendid a group of women as any society could 
boast. These agreeable assemblages came to an end at the death of 
Mrs. Baldy and the resignation of her husband, and were never 
revived. 

The .same period was more prolific of lectures than at any other 
time since I became a resident of Doylestown, sfime, by subscription, 
others free. The majority of the lectures were delivered under the 
patronage of the " T. O. S. Club," of which more is said in a previous 
chapter, who organized a course for several winters. These young 
gentlemen did much for the intellectual enjoyment of the people of 
the borough. They gave an annual hop in Lenape Hall, or the ex- 
hibition building, followed by a dinner at the Fountain House. Among 
the lecturers were Anna Dickinson, at one time a school teacher in 
Bucks county, but then a star in the lecture field, " Sunset" Cox, on 
two occasions, one of the most versatile talkers in the country, Rich- 
ard Vaux, the only American who had the honor of dancing with 
Queen Victoria, General Nathaniel P. Banks, Henry Ward Beacher, 
James Whitcomb Riley, Lieutenant Danenhower, U. S. N., an Arctic 
Explorer and others equally noted. General Banks, Paul DuChaillu 
and Mr. Cox were the author's guests. The personal character of 
Mr. Cox, was of the highest order, and his social qualities fascinating. 



ioijlcjitoiim, (OlD anh Hm. 

XXXII 
Bi-Ccntennial Decade. 

The wheels of time had hardly turned into the eighties, when 
another forward step was taken, by the organization of the Bucks 
County Historical Society, the charter fixing its home at Doyles- 
town. 

This had been some time in contemplation, by the lovers of local 
history, but the movement first took shape at a meeting held in the 
library room, Lenape Building, January 20, 1880. There is no com- 
plete list extant of those present, but, from the treasurer's records 
the following persons, who were there, may be considered the founders 
of this now popular institution: Joseph B. Walter, W. W. H. 
Davis, Alfred Paschall, Richard M. Lyman, Henry C. Mercer, John 
S. Bailey, Josiah B. Smith, Thomas P. Otter, A. M. Dickie, Mahlon 
Carver and George McDowell. The erection of a building is now 
under contract, and the society expect to be in it before the end of 
the current year. The meeting wms organized by calling Josiah B. 
Smith, of Newtown, to the chair and appointing Henry C. Mercer, 
secretary. A brief draft of a Constitution and By-Laws was su!)mitted 
by General Davis, and adopted, and the organization was completed 
by the election of the following officers: President, W. W. H. Davis; 
Secretary, Richard M. Lyman, and Treasurer, Alfred Paschall. The 
society immediately entered upon its assigned work of holding his- 
torical meetings, and making a collection of curios of historic interest. 
In February, 1885, a charter was granted by the Court of Common 



337 



338 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Pleas, and, since then, the society has been active in its labors, and is 
acknowledged to be one of the educators of the county. 

For several years, quarterly meetings were held, but finding it 
difficult to keep the organization intact by meeting so frequently, the 
number of meetings was reduced to two, midsummer and midwinter, 
the latter always held in the Court room at Doylestown. While the 
meetings were held quarterly, the attendance at some were very meager, 
on one occasion, only three persons being present. General Davis and 
wife and John S. Bailey. It was a struggle, but, in the end, Faith 
and Hope triumphed. Under the amended constitution the number 
of meetings was increased to three each year. May, October and 
January. It vA'as inspired with new life by the board of County Com- 
missioners allowing the society to occupy a vacant room in the Court 
House, and, about this time, the ladies began taking an interest 
in the organization. This gave it the seal of success. 

Since that time, interest in the Historical Society has been largely 
increased, and the meetings well attended. This is especially the case 
with the mid-winter meeting in the court room, at whicli there are 
sometimes an audience of three hundred, and one hundred and twenty- 
five invited guests lunched by the ladies. Tlicir aid is a telling card, 
doubtless the most telling of all the factors that have labored in the 
society's behalf. The Historical Society is prospering on all lines; the 
membership has been largely increased and i)u!)lic interest in its work 
grows; its collection, of historic curios, numbers about two thousand 
specimens, that section, known as " The Tools of the Nation Maker," 
being one of the most interesting ever exhibited, and we know of noth- 
ing like it in America. The paid up members have reached six hun- 
dred and the number is increased at each meeting. 

The society has been, and still is, cramped for room, and its 
small income militates against its usefulness, but, in the near future, 
there will be a change in these particulars. The society's present in- 
come, is derived from the admission fee of $2 for each member, and 
$150 paid annually by the County Commissioners, by authority of 
the Legislature. There was an effort several years, to raise sufficient 
funds to erect a building to house its historic collection, and the goal 
has been reached, thanks to our generous friends. The late James H. 
Greir, of Warrington township, left the society a legacy of $5,000, for 
its building fund, which was increased by a gift of $10,000, from the 
late William L. Elkins, and $3,000 from his son, of Philadelphia. To 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 339 

these sums may be added individual subscriptions of $5,000, amount- 
ing^ in the whole to $18,000. From this outlook, the society's possi- 
bilities, for doino- good on historic lines, is very flattering. A part of the 
working machinery, of the Historical Society, is a " Committee on 
Art," the result of its labors being a large album of photographic 
specimens that cannot be excelled. The members of the committee 
are all amateurs, a majority of them ladies, which gives value to 
its work. 

During the past year, additional steps were taken toward the 
erection of a suitable building; including the purchase of a large lot 
at a cost of $5,000, the employment of an architect, the drawing of 
plans and appointment of a building committee, composed of Harman 
Yerkes, Newlin D. Fell, Samuel Steckel, Hugh B. Eastburn and 
George Elkins, with Judge Yerkes, chairman. Previous to the pur- 
chase of this lot, Edward Longstreth, Philadelphia, presented the 
society with a lot 150 by 250 feet at the northeast corner of Pine and 
Ashland streets, joining the later purchased lot and was a part of it. 
More recently, Miss Elizabeth J. Greir, sister of the late James H. 
Greir, presented the society with $2,000 for a library fund. The 
corner stone, of the new building, was laid the 26th of July, 1904, 
with the proper ceremony. 

The first reunion, of the Survivors of the 104th Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, was held at Doylestown, May 26, 1880, and proved a 
great success. The day dawned bright and clear, and, with the ex- 
ception of the extreme heat and dust, the reveille never ushered in a 
day more befitting the occasion that awaited it. The citizens had 
occupied themselves early in decorating their dwellings and places of 
business, and the borough presented a gay and festive appearance. 
Flags and festoons were seen everywhere; they were " to the right of 
us and to the left" of us; while the main streets had been sprinkled 
and the dust laid. The veterans were on the ground early, each 
wearing a blue badge, on the lappel of his coat, bearing the state arms 
and the following lettering in gilt: 

REUNION 

104th PENNSYLVANIA REGIMENT, 

May 26, 1880. 

The old regimental band, from Emaus, Lehigh county, arrived at 
9.33, and, on being escorted to the monument, played a solemn dirge 
to the memory of the dead of the regiment; the Durham Cornet Band 



340 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

arrived shortly after, and the two bands made the streets vocal with 
choice selections. A steady influx of people, in carriages, on horse 
back, a-foot and by train, had so swelled the crowd by ten o'clock, it 
was estimated 4,000 visitors were on the streets. 

The procession was ordered to form on the lawn in front of the 
Court House, but the veterans had been so long separated, they felt 
obliged to re-call their adventures, " by flood and field," chat and 
shake hands, swing their crutches, 

"And show how fields were won." 

It took some little time, but they were soon in line, two hundred 
and sixty-four in number. The first thing was the reception of the 
regimental flag, with uncovered heads, the band playing the "Star 
Spangled Banner." 

The procession now started for its march round town in the fol- 
lowing order: 

Doylestown Cornet Band, 

Company G, 6th Regiment, N. G., Pennsylvania, as escourt, 

Emaus Regimental I5and, 

104th Regiment. 

Officers and soldiers of other regiments, who served in the late war, 

Durham Cornet Band, 

Invited guests in carriages. 

A stand had been erected on old Camp Lacey, near the exhibition 
building, where the veterns and audience a.ssembled under an exten- 
sive canvas. The invited guests seated on the stand, were too numer- 
ous to mention in detail, but, among them were Generals Robert 
Patterson and William J. Hoffman, George W. Childs, Philadelphia, 
Attorney-General Lear, Judge Richard Watson, Rev. Silas M. An- 
drews, D. D. , Hon. William Godshalk, of Doylestown, and a num- 
ber of others from home and abroad. After the audience was com- 
fortably seated, General Davis called the meeting to order and 
announced that the Hon. George Lear would preside. The exercises 
were now begun, the first the delivery of an apj^ropriate prayer by the 
Rev. Dr. Andrews, followed by the reading of a letter from Governor 
Henry M. Hoyt, of Pennsylvania, who was expected to make the ad- 
dress of the occasion, but was confined at home with sickness. As 
his regiment, the 52d Pennsylvania, fought and marched by the side of 
the 104th, for nearly three years, his presence would have been every 
way gratifying and appropriate. A sketch of the regiment was now 
read by General Davis, its late Colonel, followed by a piece of music 



T 








1=1 1 









4 

c3 




DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 341 

by the Durham Cornet Band, and the literary side of the reunion was 
closed by a benediction from the Rev. V, Hummel Berghaus, rector 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 

It was now announced that a banquet was spread in the exhibition 
building for the officers and men of the 104th and invited guests, 
whither they were conducted. In a very few minutes all were seated 
at the long tables, and partaking of a feast that would have been in- 
viting to daintier appetities than ex-soldiers who had lived on hard tack. 
The tables were handsomely ornamented with flowers and china, the 
latter loaned by Rufe & Scheetz. Each man of the 104th had a 
wooden plate and tin coffee cup, made for the occasion, and presented 
by Hon. John Wanamaker, and which the veterans took home with 
them as keep sakes. The tables were arranged for 350 people, and, 
before the banquet was over, every seat was occupied and the good 
things had disappeared. Many ladies were present, — without whose 
assistance the banquet would not have been the success it was. When 
the feasting was over, Dr. Andrews asked a blessing, the regimental 
band played several tunes, and the affair came to a close with the 
blessings of the church, and amid the strains of sweet harmony. 

The occasion was marred, to some extent, by the absence of 
several distinguished guests, who expected to be present. Governor 
Hoyt we have accounted for, Ex-Governor Curtin missed the morning 
train bv five minutes, and did not come until the reunion exercises 
were over, but he spent the remainder of the day at Doylestown ; was 
serenaded and made a speech from the porch of the Purdy house and 
Governor Parker, of New Jersey, was kept away by public business. 
Among those, from whom letters of regret were received, were the 
Attorney-General and Secretary of War, Washington, United States 
Senator Cameron, Major-General Casey, U. S. A., Speaker of Con- 
gress, Randall, Col. John W. Forney, General Henry M. Nagle, Cal- 
ifornia and General Wm. H. Emory, U. S. A. The Re-union fes- 
tivities closed with an instrumental and vocal concert in the evening, 
in Lenape Hall, in which Miss Ella Heist, Brock's Orchestra, the 
Emaus band and the Doylestown Singing Society took part. The 
large audience was delighted. 

The most interesting public function, ever held in Bucks county, 
was the Bi- Centennial celebration of its settlement in 1682. This took 
place at Doylestown, August 31 and September i and 2, 1882 and 
was largely attended. 



342 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NF.W. 

It was first publicly' suggested at a meeting of the Bucks County 
Historical Society, held at Newtown, Oct. i, 1881, in a paper read by 
W. W. H. Davis. It met with favor, and a committee was appointed, 
with Josiah B. Smith, Newtown, chairman. They reported favorably 
with a plan and scope of the celebration, and fixed the time and place. 
The appointment of other committees, including one for each township 
and borough shortly followed; the machinery was put in motion, and, 
for the next six months, there was busy work making the necessary 
preparations. Besides the literary features, attending such affairs, 
this was marked by an exhibit of the varied industries of the county, 
with a display of the manners and customs of the past and present, 
and of domestic and other curios brought over by the pioneers. To 
accomplish this, families gave up their priceless treasures to add to the 
attractions of the occasion. The day exercises were held on the 
grounds of the " Doylestown Agricultural and Mechanics' Institute," 
and those of the evening in Lenape Hall. 

A general committee, of twenty, directed and supervised the 
work of preparation, and made the celebration the success it was; 
composed of Hugh B. Eastburn, chairman; W. W. H. Davis, 
William Kinsey, William P. Crozier; Algernon S. Cadwallader, John 
Wildman, Eleazer F. Church, John S. Williams, Edward Boileau, 
Albert S. Paxson, Alfred Paschall, Nathan C. James, William God- 
shalk, Dr. Joseph Thomas, Dr. I. S. Moyer, David W. Hess, Sallie 
J. Reeder, Elizabeth Lloyd, Cynthia S. Holcomb and Anna Eastburn. 

The literary feature opened at 2.30 p. m., Thursday, August 31, 
in a large canvas pavilion, the Hon. Richard Watson, Doylestown, 
presiding, with music by the Sellersville Cornet Band. After prayer, 
by the Rev. William A. Patton, Doylestown, Judge Watson delivered 
the opening address, embracing some pertinent allusions to the settle- 
ment of Penn's Colony and Bucks county. He was followed by Dr. 
Joseph B. Walter, Solebury, and Miss Nellie D. Graham, Upper 
Makefield, who read poems written for the occasion. The attendance 
was large. In the evening there was a concert in Lenape Hall, 
Brock's Orchestra furnishing the instrumental music, several noted 
vocalist bearing their part. 

The Hon. George Lear, Doylestown, presided at the exhibition 



I The late Henry T. Darlington and W. W. H. Davis talked about the Bi- 
centennial several years before it came off; were the first to suggest it, and 
looked forward to it with great pleasure, but, unfortunately, Mr. Darlington 
did not live to enjoy it. 



nOYLESTOWN. OLD AND NEW. 343 

grounds, on Friday, the Bristol band furnishing the music. The 
audience was larger than the day before, and on the stand were a 
number of distinguished persons from a distance, including Governor 
Hoyt, of Pennsylvania. The Rev. Levi C. Sheip, Doylestown, 
opened the exercises with prayer. This was followed with an " His- 
torical Address" by General Davis, Doylestown, in which he brieffly 
reviewed the settlement of the county, referring to the century that 
gave birth to William Penn, as a "period of great intellectual ac- 
tivity;" the reading of a poem by Samuel Swain, Bristol; an ode by 
C. E. Wright, Esq., Doylestown, and the Hon. Edward M. Paxson, 
State Surpreme Court, delivering an oration. In the evening a large 
company of ladies and gentlemen, prominent in official, social, busi- 
ness and professional life, attended the banquet in Lenape Hall. Mr. 
Lear, as presiding officer of the day, opened the intellectual branch of 
the occasion in a few remarks, and, after the plates had been removed, 
toasts and five minute speeches followed under the direction of the 
toast master. Among the distinguished guests were Governor Hoyt, 
wife and daughter; Judges Craig Biddle and Amos Briggs, Philadel- 
phia; Judge Richard Watson, Doylestown; General B. Fiank Fisher, 
Philadelphia; Hon. William U. Hensel, President of Penna. State Edi- 
torical Association; Jerome Buck, Esq., New York, and Hon. William 
Godshalk, U. S. House of Representatives. Robert J. Burdette, the 
distinguished humorist and lecturer, being unavoidably absent, his re- 
sponse to the toast "woman," assigned to him, was read by Alfred 
Paschall. 

The interest, in the literary features of the occasion, reached its 
climax Saturday afternoon when an audience of 3,000 persons, 
gathered about the platform on the exhibition grounds. Dr. Isaac S. 
Moyer, Quakertown, presided, and the subjects of the speakers were 
as follows: " Bucks County Abroad," by John A. Burton, Philadel- 
phia; "Our Quaker Ancestry," Miss Anna Eastburn, Langhorne; 
"Domestic Women," Mrs. Cynthia S. Holcomb, Newtown; an ad- 
dress on "Agriculture," by Eastburn Reeder; the exercises closing 
with Miss Laura W. White, Newtown, reading a poem on "Grand- 
father's Spectacles," and a declamation by Miss Alma Sager, the 
exercises being interspersed with music from the Quakertown band. 

In the evening 800 persons gathered in Lenape Hall to participate 
in " Ye Ancient Tea Drynke. " With this closed the Bi- Centennial 
celebration of the settlement of Bucks county, one of the most 
successful occasions of the kind held in the State. The list of exhibits 



344 DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 

in show cases, and otherwise cared for, in the building of the Agri- 
cultural Society, was as extensive as rare, and delighted all beholders. 
The financial committee issued a handsomely engraved certificate to 
each subscriber, to the Centennial Fund, to the amount of five dollars, 
which are sure to be preserved as memorials and doubtless some of 
them will be exhibited, 1982. 

Following the erection of a new Court House, 1 877-' 78, the 
agitation for a new jail, was continued, and, although it was badly 
needed, six years were required to get the necessary legal sanction to 
build it. As in the case of the Court House, the consent, of two 
consecutive Grand Juries, was required. It was first brought before 
the Grand Jury at February Sessions, 1882. which reported, unan- 
imously, that " the present building is entirely unfitted for the purpose 
for which it is used, and earnestly recommend the construction of a 
new building." This was signed by Thomas C. Ivins, foreman, and 
filed in the Quarter Sessions' Office, February 10, but no action was 
taken upon it until a subsequent Grand Jury was heard from. Mean- 
while, some opposition was raised to the building of a new jail, while 
the county was in debt, and, when the question came up at the April 
Sessions, the liquidation of this debt was made a condition precedent 
the Grand Jury reporting as follows: 

" The question of the building of a new jail has been brought to 
our notice, and we have listened, with pleasure, to the statements of 
the gentlemen composing the Board of Public Charities of the State, 
whom your Honors permitted to come before us, and we have also in- 
quired, with considerable care, into the propriety of erecting such 
structure, and recommend the erection of a new jail after the present 
indebtedness of the county is paid at the present rate of taxation." 
This report was filed May 5, 1882, but the matter lay dormant until 
the December Session, 1883, when the Court made the following en- 
dorsement on the report of the Grand Jury filed May 5, 1882: " And 
now to wit, January 21, 1884, the within report, and the report of the 
Grand Jury of February 10, 1882, having been presented and con- 
sidered, and the County Commissioners representing that the indebt- 
edness of the county has been paid off, the Court approves of the 
erection of a new county jail as recommended by said report." 

By the Court, 

(Signed) Harman Yerkes, P. J. 

These were the initial steps in the erection of a new jail; the first, 
getting consent of the Court, the second, the selection of an architect, 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 345 

the choice falling on Addison Hutton, Philadelphia, who acted in the 
same capacity when the county erected the new Court House. The 
plans and specifications were examined by the Board of Charities, at 
Doylestovvn, March 8, 1884, the architect being present to explain 
them; and, after their approval by the board, and so endorsed on each 
piece of the drawings, they were delivered to Judge Yerkes the same 
evening for his inspection and approval. They were then filed in the 
commissioners' ofifice, four weeks before the bids were awarded, for 
the bidders to examine. The Board of Public Charities previously 
met the County Commissioners, February i, 1884, to decide on a site 
for the jail, and vmnanimously agreed on the purchase of the George T. 
Harvey lot, east side of South Pine street, containing two acres. The 
price was $1,500, and the location a very eligible one, facing the south- 
west. The commissioners advertised for proposals for building the 
jail, on March 4, 1884, the bids all to be in and closed at noon, March 
31. They were opened and announced in the papers of April 15, and 
the contracts awarded as follows: Building the prison, to Henry D. 
Livezey,'' $72,000; plumbing, to Kane and Kelsey, $3,950; and gas 
fitting, $299. The contract for the steam heating was withheld, but, 
we are not able to say who received it, nor the price. 

Work was begun immediately the contracts were awarded, but 
the jail was not completed until the spring of 1885. One wing was 
occupied in the early winter, Allen H. Heist being Sheriff, but Elias 
Eastburn, Sheriff- elect, did not take possession until April ist. The 
original plan and specifications called for sixty cells, but the commis- 
sioners, believing they would never need so many, had the number 
reduced to fifty-two. The intent was to have only one prisoner in a 
cell, but, since then, there have been as many as seventy-two prisoners 
in the jail at one time, but, despite this change in the number of cells, 
the plan of the building is such they can be added to without inter- 
fering with the original design. The time will come, and probably in 
the near future, when the cells will have to be increased. 

As the new jail approached completion, and before the Commis- 
ioners, who had built it, had gone out of office, the Board of State 
Charities, accompanied by the Hon. Richard Vaux, Inspector of the 
Eastern Penitentiary, paid it a visit. They came up December 30, 
1884. After a careful inspection of the building, as far as completed, 
they spoke of it in high terms, Mr. Vaux, especially, commending 

2 Although the contract for building the jail, was awarded to Henry D. 
Livezey, James Flack afterward became joint contractor with him. 



346 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

it. He pronounced it the "most complete county prison in America." 
and said he "had seen nothing equal to it in Europe." After their 
return home, the Board of Charities addressed a letter to the County 
Commissioners, in commendation of the zeal, fidelity and economy 
displayed in the erection of the prison. In the near future, the Sheriff 
of Bucks county was written to from Denver, Colorado, making in- 
quiries about our jail at the suggestion of the National Board of Char- 
ities, and, since then, other letters have been received on the same 
subject. 

On a stone, in front of the main entrance the following names are 
cut with the respective official positions held by the persons; — 

Board of State Charities. 

Mahlon H. Dickinson, Lewis Peterson, Jr., W. W. H. Davis, 
Phillip C. Garrett, Henry M. Hoyt, Thomas G. Morton, M. D., E. 
Coppee Mitchell, Herbert M. Howe, M, D., Wm. J. Sawyer, Diller 
Luther, Geneial Agent. 

County Commissioners. 

John Wynkoop, Jones Breisch, Isaac Ryan, J. Evan Zorns, 
Clerk. 

The first step toward organizing the Bucks County Trust Com- 
pany, the first financial institution of the kind in the county, was tak- 
en January 14, 1886. That evening. Judge Richard Watson, George 
Ross, J. Monroe Shellenberger, Louis H. James, Esqrs. and T. O. 
Atkinson, met in a second story room of the Lloyd building, East 
Court street, to consider the matter. Before adjourning, they resolved 
to form a "Trust Company," and subscribed 1425 shares of stock at 
the par value of $100. At a subsequent meeting, — the i6th, the 
above named persons, with the addition of Hugh B. Eastburn and 
Robert M. Yardley, Esqrs., took additional steps, to fnrthur the object 
in view, by resolving that Richard Watson act as president for one 
year; T. O. Atkinson, Treasurer and Secretary; that the persons, ac- 
cepted as stockholders, constitute a part of the first board of directors, 
and, in addition, James B. Doyle, Philadelphia, Aaron Fretz, Plum- 
stead, Joseph S. Atkinson, Buckingham, Alfred Johnson, Southamp- 
ton, Samuel Steckel, Doylestown, B. F. Gilkeson, Bristol, John S. 
Williams, Solebury and Joseph Thomas, Quarkertown, were named 
as directors. At this meeting, a formal sul)scribed allotment of stock 
was made amounting to 2500 shares, which each was allowed to dis- 
pose of, or retain for himself as he might see fit. 

The organization was now named the "Bucks County Trust Com- 



DOVLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 347 

pany," its purposes specified: — to be conducted under the general 
corporation laws of Pennsylvania, with a recognized capital of $250,- 
000 and located at Doylestown. In the Democrat of January 19th 
and the Intelligencer of the 23rd, a notice appeared that application 
would be made for a charter. At a meeting held on the 29th of Janu- 
ary, the fifteen gentlemen present were declared directors for the en- 
suing year; Richard Watson was chosen President of the company, T. 
O. Atkinson, Secretary and Treasurer; Mr. Atkinson was authorized 
to purchase a portion of the Fox lot corner of Court and Broad streets 
to erect a building on; Richard Watson, T. O. Atkinson and Joseph 
Thomas were ap[)ointed a committee to procure the necessary papers 
and books; and Mr. Watson was authorized to prepare an application 
for a charter, and forward the same to Harrisburg. At a stockholders 
meeting, March 3rd, the by-laws were adopted. Governor Pattison, 
who had approved the application for a charter, February 23rd, 
ordered letters patent to be issued the same day, and the charter was 
put on record at Doylestown on March 2nd. The new corporation 
was now clothed with all the power the stockholders had asked for, or 
the law could grant, and was ready to go to work. The company 
commenced business in the Mathews' dwelling on East Court street 
and occupied it until the new building was finished, January, 1887. 
This building was subsequently purchased by Judge Yerkes, altered, 
and is now occupied by him as a residence. All things considered, 
the period, from 1880 to 1890, was one of the most enterprising in the 
history of the county capital. 



XXXI 1 1 
Fires and Fire Department. 

Compared to most boroughs of its size, Doylestovvn has had a 
Providential escape from destructive fires within its limits, or near by. 

The earliest fire on record, we have any account of, and hereto- 
fore alluded to, was the burning of the farm house of David Kirkbride, 
1809, that occupied the site of the present dwelling on the "Chapman 
farm," adjoining the borough on the north. What gave this fire 
a more serious feature, was the absence of the parents from home, 
leaving five small children in charge of two servants. They all escaped, 
however, but the house and contents were destroyed with the excep- 
tion of one bed and bed clothes. The dwelling was immediately 
rebuilt and is tlie same as that now standing. 

The first fire, within the borough limits proper, was at the dwell- 
ing of Crispin Blackfan, then Prothonotary of the county, the morning 
of June 4, 1822, but was extinguished before any serious damage had 
been done. No doubt the bucket brigade was entitled to the credit of 
putting out the fire, in the absence of any other artificial appliance for 
that purpose. Mr. Blackfan lived in a frame house on the south side 
of East State street, probably in the same house lately occupied by 
Mrs. VanHorne. Now comes a little by play in Doylestown's fire de- 
partment, entitled "Locking the stable door after the horse is stolen," 
which is praticed to this day, and the piece will always be on the stage. 
As soon as the Blackfan fire was put out, and while the fright was on, 
Asher Miner, of the Correspondent, recommended that "a fire com- 
pany be immediately formed," but his advice was not heeded. His 

348 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 349 

recommendation was all right, but the villagers had not been badly 
enough frightened to take his advice. 

Seven years later, on the morning of January ii, 1829, a fire of an 
unique character occurred in Doylestovvn. On the arrival of the 
Easton stage, the mail bag was discovered to be in flames and some 
excitement created, but was put out with little effort. A number of 
letters and papers were burned, but, beyond that, no damage was done. 
How the fire originated was never discovered. 

The people of Doylestown were now three years cogitating over 
the recommendation of Asher Miner, in 1822, that "a fire company be 
immediately formed" before they got to work. They could not have 
better proved their conservative spirit. This led to the organization 
of the "Doylestown Fire Engine Company," the first of its kind here 
so far as we can learn. The meeting was advertized for Monday 
night, January 24, 1825, at 7 o'clock, at the house of Jacob Kohl', the 
notice stating, among other things, that "citizens disposed to become 
members are requested to be on hand." In the next issue of the 
Patriot, it is stated "the Engine is in complete repair and the apparatus 
of ladders, hook, etc., etc., are ready for service in any emergency." 
The officers elected were: Abraham Chapman, president; Timothy 
Smith, vice-president; John Pugh, treasurer; and William T. Rogers, 
secretary. Probably the " Doylestown Fire Engine Company" had 
come to grief in the next nine years, or been reorganized under a 
new name. This we infer, for, in 1834, the "Friendship Fire Com- 
pany," of Doylestown, was undergoing a course of resussitation about 
the first of the year. The "machine" was refitted and embellished 
by " Mayer of the Green Tree," the artist-landlord oi that popular 
old hostelry. 

One of the most destructive fires, that ever took place in Doyles- 
town, was the burning of the building, occupied by the Democrat, on 
the morning of February 4, 1836. It was then printed in a frame on 
the East side of north Main street opposite the present Fountain House 
on the site of the Stuckert building. The adjoining brick store of 
Charles Harvey, on the corner of State and Main streets, the site of 
Randall's hardware store, was also destroyed. The fire was discov- 
ered about two o'clock. In the building, besides the Democrat plant, 
were the watch making shop of Charles Savage, and the oyster saloon 
of Nathanial Hubbard. Everything was consumed and no insurance. 

The frame building was owned by William 11. Powell, and the 



I Who kept the Ship tavern. 



350 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

Democrat plant by John S. Bryan. The greater part of the store and 
household goods in Harvey's brick were saved by removal. The 
weather was intensly cold, but without wind, and the deep snow pre- 
vented the adjoining roofs catching hre. The dwelling of Mrs. 
Sharpless ^, just above, on the same side of Main atreet, was saved with 
difficulty. The engine turned out and did good service under the 
direction of Andrew Mayer, Jr. , son of the landlord of the Green Tree. 
This was the first fire in Doylestown that entailed any considerable 
loss, estimated at $5,315. A public meeting, with Abraham Chapman 
in the chair, was shortly held at the tavern of Isaac W. James, the 
present Fountain House, and a committee appointed, for every town- 
ship in the county, to solicit subscriptions to make good the loss. The 
exact amount collected we have never learned, and possibly it was not 
made public. 

Our next fire was on the 26th of August, 1839, when an old frame 
house belonging to Timothy Smith, and the dwelling and barn of a 
Mr. Whitman, a brewer, on the north side of west State street, a few 
doors beyond the present Hamilton street, took fire. They were 
burned to the ground. As the engine was not in working order, the 
women and children turned out " to a man" and carried water in 
buckets from the Mansion House pump; and, as the reporter of the 
period makes no mention of the men doing anything, they probably 
looked on and "bossed the job" as is sometimes the case at present. 
The house and barn were insured in the Doylestown Insurance Com- 
pany, and this was the first loss it met with after organizing. 3 What 
was the matter with the "machine" is not mentioned. 

In 1841 Doylestown possessed a "Friendship Fire Engine Com- 
pany;" we have no account of its exploits, but doubtless they 
would be interesting reading could they be got at. That year Lester 
Rich was president, Theodore T. Kinsey, secretary, and Henry 
Nightingale, "secretary pro tem," at a meeting held in the spring. 

On June 30, 1842, .Samuel Yardley's oil mill, near Doylestown, 
was burned down with the contents. There was a partial insurance 
on it. Mr. Yardley at the time was a leading merchant in Doylestown 



2 At Doyle-stown, January 16, 1849, in the eisihty-third year of her age, 
Mrs. Julia Sharpless, widow of John Sharpless, of Philadelphia. She resided in 
that city during its occupancy by General Howe's army, 1777-78. 

3 The double stone dwelling, belonging to the late Robert Lewis, who occu- 
pied one end on the north side of VVest Stale street, was the brewery that was 
burned out. 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 35i 

on the corner of the present Armstrong block. The late John B. 
Pugh thought the mill destroyed was probably at Mechanics' Valley. 

The old frame Iniilding that stood on the left hand side of the 
New Hope turnpike, just beyond the Catholic Church, was burned 
down the night of April i, 1845. It was built in 1838, during the 
"Morus Multicaulis Ciaze," but, the enter[)rise proving a failure, the 
building was sold and passed into the possession of John S. Bryan the 
owner when it was burned down. The Multicaulis Craze was only 
second to the California gold excitement while it lasted, but the latter 
paid better. 

The next fire in order, that visited Doylestown, was in August, 
1856, when the barn of Jesse Armstrong, on the premises at the cross- 
ing of Main and Court streets, was burned by an incendary and com- 
pletely destroyed with the contents. The town being without a fire 
engine, or the "machine" out of order, we do not remember which, a 
bucket brigade was organized and water taken from the "Town Pump," 
on the Thompson property adjoining and the supply kept up for three 
hours. The barn only was burned, and no insuiance. A man named 
VVeirman, was arrested and convicted of the offence. The barn 
was rebuilt and a second time burned, in 1885; and it was a curious 
coincidence, that the man, convicted of burning the barn in 1856, was 
in Doylestown the night the barn was burned in 1885, but was not 
arrested. The second barn was insured for $1,000. The following- 
year, 1857, Doylestown was again visited by a fire, a board yard meet- 
ing the displeasure of an incendiary. This was the barn of Shade & 
Rotzell, on their board yard premises, the south side of East State 
street. It was fired one night in January and consumed with two 
horses, but the lumber was not burned. The ground was covered 
with snow at the time. 

On Wednesday afternoon, April 5, 1869, what might have been 
a very destructive fire, broke out in Abel Stover's livery staljle. It 
was discovered to be on fire, but burned to the foundation before the 
flames could be arrested. It was frame, 60 x 50 feet, nearly new, cost 
$1,200, and had an insurance of $1,000, but none on the contents. 
The net loss was $500. All the horses were saved, as well as Hulshi- 
zer & Larzelere's agriculture implement factory that was almost ad- 
joining. The cause of the fire was a mystery. 

The most considerable fire, the past twenty-five years, was the 
burning of Lewis Buckman's planning mill and sash factory on tlie 
night of January 19, 1881. The alarm was given about ten o'clock, 



352 nOVLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

when the fire company and a large portion of the population flocked 
to the scene of destruction. There was a fine head of water, but the 
fire had been burning too long to save the building and contents. 
There was a moderate snow on the ground, and the number of deli- 
cate women who turned out to witness the conflagration, was out of 
proportion to the energy of the men. The cause of the fire was 
never made known. The insurance covered part of the loss and the 
building was immediately rebuilt. 

In 1893, a new fire department, called, "The Doylestown Fire 
Company, No. i" was organized at a meeting held October 11, with 
the following officers; president, H. P. Beerer; vice-presidents, George 
Watson and William Raike; secretary, Frank N. Booz; treasurer, 
John Yardley; trustees, Frank Stover, Frank Hart, S. A. W. Patter- 
son and John Donnelly; auditors, J. Evan Zorns, Walter Darlington, 
and Evan Morris, Jr. The permanent organization was completed 
at a meeting held October 18. The meetings were held for some 
time in the borough Council Chamber, but subsequently removed to 
the building on the Ross property. North Main street, adjoining the 
National Bank. It was remodeled and improved at a cost of $600 to 
fit it for the purpose of the new tenant. This was in 1897, and was 
still occupied, 1902. Subsequently, the company purchased an 
eligible lot on Shewell avenue, near Monument Place, to erect a new 
building on, which is now, September, 1902, in course of erection. 
The corner stone was laid August 26, with proper ceremony, the Hon. 
Robert M. Yardley making a suitable address. The company is 
equipped with all necessary fire apparatus, engine, hose, hook and 
ladder, etc., of a modern make and is punctual at fires. The ofificers, 
at this writing, are: president, Henry A. James; first vice-president, 
E. F. Taylor; second vice-president, Harry W. Kelly; secretary, A. 
Lincoln Layman; assistant secretary, George S. Hotchkiss; financial 
secretary, Silas A. Selser; treasurer, John Yardley; chief engineer, 
John P. Still well; assistant chief engineer, George P. Brock; trustees, 
W. Harry Cadwallader, W. G. Benner, John Hart, W. Harry Smith 
and John P. Stilwell. With an active, energetic lire company, such 
as the present, the borough feels more secure. 

The Mount Olivet Colored Baptist Church, a small, frame struct- 
ure on Lafayette street, in the western section of the borough, was 
destroyed by fire, with the organ and books, on Saturday evening, 
August 21, 1897. It was thought to have been set on fire by an in- 
cendiary, but the truth was never known. Some believed dissensions 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 353 

in the congregation may have led to it. The building was insured for 
$150. The last fire, down to that period, was the burning of the 
barn belonging to the Catholic Church, on Sunday night, October 15, 
1897, but we know neither its origin nor the amount of loss. In addi- 
tion to the fires enumerated, there were a few others, whose date cannot 
be given. Several years ago the cottage, formerly belonging to the late 
Commodore Shaw, U. S. N., on the northeast corner of Academy lane 
and East street, was set fire to and burned to the ground. It was 
probably the work of an incendiary, as it was burned in the night, and 
was unoccupied at the time. Who set the building on fire was never 
known. A building was also burned at the railroad station, either by 
accident or design, more recently, date not known; and a barn, on the 
property of James Ruckman, east State street, was destroyed by fire 
in the early evening, thought to have been the work of an incendiary. 
The fire department was called out and the adjoining buildings were 
saved. One of the latest fires, in Doylestown, was the burning of the 
lunch- box factory of E.x-sherif! Nicholas on Centre street, near West, 
the morning of November 4, 1899. The building was insured. 

On Friday morning, March 28, 1895, a fire broke out in the cel- 
lar of John G. Randall's house, on east Court street, but was put out 
before it had seized hold of the wood work. A leaky gas meter which 
ignited from an adjacent heater was discovered by a member of the 
family, wlio saw the smoke coming up through the floor. She gave 
the alarm, and two wheelmen, Walter Edals and Samuel Benner, pass- 
ing by, responded, and, entering the cellar, found the gas meter sur- 
rounded by flames. A few Inickets of water thrown over it, the gas 
shut of? from the machine, and the devouring element was under con- 
ir(^l. A few minutes delay might have caused a fire it would have 
been more difificult to put out. As it was, a large number of persons 
turned out, and the fire company had the hose carriages taken to the 
scene. .Mr. and Mrs. Randall were from home at the time. 

The only fire in our borough, since the new century came in, was 
an attempt to burn tlie barn of James Barrett, February 10, 1902. 
It was doubtless the work of an incendiary. The fire company was 
early on the ground, and tht^ barn saved with a loss of about $300, 
fully covered by insurance. 



ioi)le0toiun, ©ID anh Hem. 

XXXIV. 
Odds and Ends of History. 

The Town I'ump, so called, a name given it in the long ago, but 
some time passed into history, stood on the premises of the late Rob- 
ert Thompson, where Shevvell avenue debouches into Monument 
Place at the crossing of Main and Court streets. After being long 
used by the general public, more than by the owner, so long "the 
memory of man runneth not to the contrary," the pump tree was 
taken out and the well covered over. This was many years ago and 
had been forgotten until uncovered in June, 1897, while digging a 
trench to introduce borough water into the dwelling. When the 
pump was in use, several families got their drinking water there, and 
the Democrat and Intel! (spencer offices filled their boilers from it. In 
the youth of this old well, the water was raised " from the vasty 
deep" by a long sweep, but, subsequently, a windlass brought to the 

surface 

"The old oaken bucket, the iron bound bucket, 
The moss-covered bucket which hangs in the well" 

filled with its delightful, cooling beverage. The well was probably 
dug by Dr. Hugh Meredith, when he built his dwelling near the Arm- 
strong corner, the last quarter of the eighteenth century. When 
Armstrong's barn was burned, August. 1856, a bucket brigade was 
organized and the pump manned; and after three hours steady pump- 
ing the water in the well was not perceptibly lowered. 

Thompson's pump was not the only one that "comes down to us 
from a former generation," but the author has in mind two others 

354 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 355 

that did duty in the not distant past. The oldest of these, and possi- 
bly older than the Thompson pump, supplied the Ship Tavern with 
water, that stood on the site of Lenape Building. It was probably 
dug when the old hostelry was built, one hundred and twenty-five 
years ago, and covered over when the new building was erected, 1874. 
It was one of the most famous wells in town, and repeated efforts 
were made to pump the water out, on one occasion with horse power, 
but without success. Tradition says that when it was dug the water 
came in so rapidly the well diggers were driven out leaving their tools 
behind, but were never recovered, and are still at the bottom. This 
old well is under the Main street pavement opposite the drug store. 
There are, doubtless, other old wells in town, as ancient as the ones we 
have named, but we have not struck them. 

The third pump, to which we allude, long half tradition, half 
historic in truth, is at the corner of west Court street and Harvey Ave- 
nue, on the lot of Wynne James. On March 13, 1902, while laborers 
were digging a hole for a trolley pole, they struck a large fiat stone 
that gave out a hollow sound. Investigation showed that it covered 
an old well, and was probably placed there when Reuben F. Sheetz 
owned the property, thirtj'-five years before. It is said to have had a 
pump in it prior to the water works, and that all the neighbors were 
supplied with water from it. It is further claimed that the old Doyles- 
town tavern, of 1745, stood on the site of the Wynne James house, 
formally Pugh Dungan's, and that the well, which supplied it with 
water, was covered over in the street. There is a little testimony here, 
as to the location of the Doyle tavern, but not enough to sustain 
the claim. When Harvey Avenue was opened, a few years ago, 
another well was uncovered several feet from this. As west Court street 
that runs in front of the Wynne James house, was not opened until 
1807, sixty-two years after the Doyle tavern was licensed, a public 
house would hardly have been located so far from the highway. 

When the Thompson frame dwelling, on the west side of Monu- 
ment Place, and joint owner of the "Town pump" and the well it 
stood in, were taken down in recent years, to make some improve- 
ments, it was probably one of the oldest frame houses in the borough, 
almost next to the Russell house in Germany. The date of 1S32, on 
the water spout, when that was removed several years ago, indicated 
when that part of the building was erected, but the rear part, and the 
old pork house, taken down many years before, were much older. 
The Robert Thompson stone dwelling, covered many years with a 



356 DOYLESTOWN, OI.O AND NEW. 

wholesome yellow wash, was built about the same period. The Demo- 
crat was published in the building, in the late twenties while General 
Roger's was its editor and proprietor, and the author remembers, 
when a small boy, accompanying his father there on one occasion. 
The door was in the east end. In attempting to remove the Thomp- 
son house, in May, 1898, a recent heavy rain had so moistened the 
ground, the building got out of plum, and fell down with a crash, 
becoming a total loss. 

On Thursday afternoon, Septtuiber 4, 18 16, a large sea eagle 
perched himself on the vane of the Court house steeple and excited 
the curiosity of all who beheld it. Some one of the lookers on, be- 
longing to the village, name not given, brought down the strange 
visitor with a fowling piece. His wings measured six feet from 
tip to tip. 

In 1 8 19, Abraham Myers, owner of the Turk mill dam, adver- 
tized he would drain it, as it had not been disturbed since about 1750, 
if his friends would subscribe liberally enough to cover the expense; he 
stated he had been repeatedly requested to do so to obtain the extra- 
ordinary quantity of turtles, fishes and etc. in it. Myers sent out sub- 
scription papers stating the job was to be completed by the 7th of July 
and the dam would be kept open for three days; but, as nothing more 
was heard of the affair, the project was probably not carried out. 
Who knows how often this dam has been cleaned out in recent years ? 

The 4th of July was cele!)rated, 1819 at Doylestown; Charles E. 
DuBois reading the Declaration of Independence, and Samuel Aaron 
delivering the oration, with a social dinner at the Mansion House, at 
which Wm. H. Rowland was chairman and Lewis S. Coryell vice- 
president. The same afternoon the Union Guards, Captain William 
T. Rogers; met in a wood adjacent to the village. After drilling. Dr. 
James H. Rich delivered an address, the company partook of a cold 
repast, and drank toasts, accompanied by music and the discharge of 
small arms. Magill's Rifle Rangers turned out on the same occasion, 
but what part they played is not announced. 

At that day there was quite a flood of rustic poetry printed in 
the county papers, dedicated to young ladies, and a newspaper was 
not thought properly equipped without at least one regular poetical 
contribution each week. This was kept up, down to the days of the 
modern magazine. In this regard our county papers kept abreast 
with the times. In the issue of the Democrat, of February 5, 1822, 



nOVLKSTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 357 

appeared some verses by "Claudine" addressed to an unamed Miss of 
Doylestown, which opened 

"Yes maiden, I love thee, the rose on thy cheek, 

And the "lance of tliy dark eye thy loveliness speaks 

Thy lips of brightest coral, that dark flowing hair. 
And thy bosom of snow, says that beauty is there." 

In the issue of the Correspondent, of September 7, 1823, John 
Fo.\ was called the "Dictator General of the Democratic party," evi- 
dence that politics was pretty warm. On November 13th following, 
the "Democratic Republicans," a queer combination as we look at 
politics now, met at Valentine Opp's tavern, and partook of an enter- 
tainment on the election of John Andrew Shultz to the office of Gov- 
ernor. Samuel D. Ingham was president, and there was drinking 
of toasts and firing of cannon. 

In the Correspondent of March i, 1824, we find the following 
paragraph; "The delegates, to the Harrisburg Convention, from 
Bucks county, started from the public house of William Watts, either 
the Court Inn, or the Indian Queen that stood on the site of the 
National bank, on the 28th ultimo, under a cheer from the citizens 
and loud huzzas for General Andrew Jackson." At that early day 
there was no public conveyance to carry delegates to state conven- 
tions. A Polk and Dallas jubilee was held in the Court House, Janu- 
ary 8, 1845; there was a procession with a military company and a 
brass band : Colonel Reah Frazier, Lancaster, delivered an address, 
and the afiair closed with a banquet at the Mansion house, where 
toasts were drunk and brief speeches made. Dr. Charles H. Mathews 
presiding. At that period politics and religion held closer relations 
than at present, and ministers of the gospel took a part in political 
functions that would hardly be tolerated now. On April 29, 1828, 
the Rev. Thomas B. Montanye, pastor of the Southampton Baptist 
Church, was chairman of a "Democratic Republican" meeting held 
in the Court house, called to boom the nomination of John Quincy 
Adams for President. 

The people of Doylestown, in the past, were no more unmindful of 
the calls of patriotism than at present, nor did they hesitate to express 
themselves through the pocket or otherwise. The struggle, of the 
Greeks with the Turks, excited universal attention. On Wednesday 
evening, March 14, 1872, a meeting, held in the Court house to raise 
funds, was numerously attended. William Watts was called to the 
chair, Mathias Morris appointed secretary, and a committee, consisting 



358 DOYLESTOWN. OLD AND NEW. 

of John Pugh, Abraliam Chapman, John Benezet, Charles E. DuBois 
and Wilham T. Rogers, was raised to receive contributions, and 
Mathias Morris, Henry Chapman and Robert Bethell, Jr. to prepare 
an address to the public. The amount collected was not reported. 

The newspapers of the period record, as an unsual occurrence, 
that in the spring of 1830, there was an extraordinary flight of wild 
pigeons; the Democrat of March 30 says Doylestown, with streets, 
woods, orchards, fields etc. "has been inundated with pigeons, and 
all persons, saints and sinners, office-holders and commoners, all 
alike, have been going "pop!" "pop!" "pop!" Pigeons were eaten 
at every meal, "roasted, fried and on the shell." The editor says, 
that on Sunday morning a flock of pigeons lit in the orchard of an 
old friend of his, a church member, and, in spite of the sabbath, he 
took his gun and killed twenty-two. 

The story of Mrs. Ross, rescuing a Jackson hickory pole from its 
would-be destroyers, as a bit of contemporaneous history is too good 
to be lost, and fits in with our historic miscellany. It was in 1832, 
Jackson's second race for President, and politics was at flood tide. 
The Democrats had erected a handsome hickory pole at the crossing 
of Court and Main streets, just below where the monument stands. 
One night the Federalists attempted to cut down the pole, but Mrs. 
Ross being awake, and hearing them, leaped out of bed, ran down 
stairs and out of doors, and put her arms around the pole, saving it 
from the assailants. It created quite a sensation in the political and 
social world. 

The first effort, made in Doylestown, to provide the borough with 
a town clock, was in 1842, but not successful. Shortly after and we 
believe in the same year, an article appeared in the Democrat of May 
18, signed "Punctuality," which spoke of the town clock effort in 
this wise: 

"Not long ago a project was set on foot to obtain a clock by sub- 
scription, and a sum nearly sufficient was pledged, when "Cold 
water," very good in its place, quenched the ardor of those engaged 
in it, and the matter was abandoned." That project was never 
revived, but passed into history, and the town clock question slum- 
bered until 1874, a third of a century, when a public spirited and 
generous woman presented a clock to the Doylestown Improvement 
Company which was put at the north-west corner of Lenape Building, 
where it still marks the time, and is in good running order. 

Governor Francis R. Shunk, came to Doylestown on a visit to his 



DOYLESTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 359 

daughter, Mrs. Chapman, November 22, 1845. In the evening with 
his suite, he attended the lecture of Colonel John W. Forney, in Bene- 
ficial Hall, and, after the lecture, there was an informal reception. 
The Governor was welcomed with a speech, by the Hon. Samuel D. 
Ingham, at New Hope, when he came into the state, and his arrival 
at Doylestown was announced by the firing of cannon. While here 
he was the guest of Henry Chapman, Esq., his son-in-law. He re- 
turned to Philadelphia, via Norristovvn, the following Monday 
morning. 

An attempt was made on Friday night, November 28, 1845, to 
rob the store of Samuel A. Smith and John J. Brock, who kept where 
Metlar keeps on south Main street. 

In 1845, after the destructive fire at Allentown, which laid a 
large portion of the town in ashes, a public meeting was held at Doy- 
lestown to contribute to the wants of the sufierers. Abraham Chap- 
man was called to the chair, and John S. Brown, of the Intelligencer, 
secretary. A committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions and 
several hundred dollars were subscribed. 

Although the inhabitants of Doylestown have seldom been the 
victims of accident that destroy life, we recall two cases in the long 
past. The first was in the summer, of 1832, when William Cox, 
while erecting a building in Buckingham, by some mishap fell from it 
and was so badly injured he shortly died. He built, and lived in, 
the brick house on east State street, where Dr. Frank Suartzlander, 
the elder, now resides, the other subsequent owners beside Dr. Swartz- 
lander, being William Stokes and the late General John S. Bryan. 
Mr. Cox was the father of Charles C. Cox, of Doylestown, who, after a 
life of varied experience in business and military service in the field 
during the Civil War, has returned to his native town to spend the 
evening of his days. The other accident happened to Dr. John B. 
Pettitt, son of Elnathan Pettitt, landlord of what is now the Fountain 
House, whose horse ran away vvitli him, Monday evening. May 26, 
1845, returning from a professional visit. He was thrown out of his 
sulky and injured so badly he died in a few minutes. He was a young 
man, and recently married to a daughter of General Samuel A. Smith, 
of Doylestown. These fatal accidents are referred to elsewhere. 

On the death of Henry Clay, who died June 30, 1S52, memorial 
services were held in the Presbyterian Church the Friday following. 
Places of business were closed and men of all parties united in paying 



36o DOYLKSTOVVN, OLD AND NEW. 

tribute to his memory. An eulogy was pronounced by Rev. Silas M. 

Andrews, and an ode, composed by Caleb E. Wright, Esq., was 

sung; 

List what peal is breaking 

Over the land and sea, 

All hearts to sorrow waking; 

It moveth solemnly, 

Mournfully it swelleth 

Where rosy morning springs, 

Where midday's glory dwelleth, 

And Evening folds her wings. 

The waves seem listening to the strain. 

As silently they sweep. 

Borne by the winds o'er stream and plain. 

O'er mountain dale and deep; 

So all eyes are weeping, 

All hearts are sorrow's prey, 

Long where his dust lies sleeping, 

Columbia mourns for Clay. 

List, list, to the funeral knell. 

In Doylestown, December 9, 1834, John Fritzinger at the age of 
eighty-six. 

The deceased was a Hessian soldier captured at Trenton, Decem- 
ber 26, 1776. On refusing to be exchanged, or enter the American 
army, tradition says he was taken before Washington, who asked what 
his trade was, and he replied he could "make glazed powder;" 
whereupon he was sent to one of the powder mills on the Perkiomen, 
and employed there during the war. At its close he married and went 
to work. In 1805, he purchased, of James Thomas, New Britain, the 
farm of one hundred acres, now known as the " Fordhook Farm." 
He lived there until probably the spring of 1832, when he moved into 
Doylestown where he died. He lived on the east side of South Main 
street, probably in the house occupied by Mrs. Walton, His will is 
dated March 27, 1832, but not proved until January 5, 1836, his 
widow, Catharine, being executrix and Dr. James S. Rich, executor. 
Among his sons were John W. and Henry, with daughters and grand- 
children. His real estate was not sold until 1837. What became of 
the family, after this time, we do not know. 

Peter Jackson was the first colored man of any distinction, in 
Doylestown, that we have note of. He was here as early as in the 
twenties, in the service of Judge William Watts, and to his death, off 
and on. He was a tall, good looking man, and, in the heyday of the 
volunteer militia, attended the trainings and waited on the ranking 
ofificers. Jackson was married and raised a family, and, in later years, 
we remember when his daughters lived in some of our families. On 




SAMLi:i. IIAI.L. 



DOVLESTOVVN, OT.I) AND NEW. 361 

tlu* reputation of their father tliey held their heads pretty high. 
"Saininy" Price, who preceded "Gov^ernor" Wells as "Town Cryer," 
we renieniher well, but do not recall his histor\'. He did not cut as 
distinguished a figure as Jackson and Wells. 

Richard Wells, sailing under the name of " Dick " Wells, was 
prominent in colored society, and cut an unique figure in Doylestown 
for several j'ears; born a slave at Fredericksburg, Va. , whence himself 
and mother escaped to Chicago by the underground railroad. He was 
in the Civil War, first as a cook and then as an enlisted soldier, and 
came to Doylestown, 1874. He was proud of his military reecord. 
On the death of "Sammy" Price, "Governor" Wells, by which 
name he was known to every one, became " Town Cryer," of which he 
was as proud as if he were the " Grand Mogul," and held the office 
to his death in 1895, when he 

" Laid down the shovel and the hoe 
And hung up the fiddle and the bow." 

John Walker was probably the oldest man who ever made Doy- 
lestown his home, but we do not remember when he came here. He 
was borne near Carversville, Buckingham township, April 6, 1799; 
the son of Robert and Asenath Walker and was of English descent. 
He was brought up on his father's farm, and twice married. At one 
period in his life he was an extensive limeburner. On his ninty-sixth 
birthday, April 6, 1895, many friends called on Mr. Walker, and the 
occasion was a pleasant one to him. He died April 29, 1898. 

William Carr, who lived in Doylestown a long time, and was a 
prominent figure in our village life for twenty-five years, was the 
youngest son of John Carr, of Warwick township, where he was born 
September 12, 1789. He was a man of intelligence and excentricities, 
and served one term as Clerk of the Orphan's Court, besides being 
deputy in other county offices. He took great interest in Masonry, in 
which Order he stood high, and superintended the building of the 
Masonic Temple on Chestnut street, Philadelphia, half a century ago. 
He died at AUentown, Pa., March 10, 1872, whither he had removed 
a few years pervious. Mr. Carr was never married. He built the 
dwelling on the north-east corner of Court and Pine streets in which 
Mrs. John L. DuBois lives, and also the one that stood on the site of 
Dr. Groin's house, adjoining, which the Michener family formerly 
owned, and lived in. It was the first dwelling erected there. 

Thomas W. Trego, who died here September 12, 1901, while not 



362 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

a native, was long a resident of Doylestown, and a member of one of 
the oldest families in the county. He was of Huguenot ancestry 
which settled here, 1682, and was born at Pineville, May 13, 1816. 
He received his education at the country schools, finishing at the Park 
School, Burlington, N. J., with a winters' experience in conducting the 
Philadelphia school of Charles B. Trego, his relative, while the latter 
was a member of the Legislature. At twenty-two, Mr. Trego went 
west, where he had a wide business experience, as a governor sur- 
veyor, clerk on a Mississippi steamboat, superintendent of a smelting 
works, and keeping a hardware store, bringing up at Chicago in the 
lumber business. He remained there until the close of the Civil War, 
when his yearning for home brought him back to Bucks county, buy- 
ing what is now the " Fordhook Farm " near Doylestown. He returned 
to Chicago, remaining a few years, when he again returned, and 
settled in our borough, where he resided to his death. He married 
Elizabeth Baker Betts, of this county, 1851, who with four children, 
survived him. 

Thomas Trego was a student all his life and, while deeply interested 
in public affairs, was never a candidate for office. He took especial in- 
terest in the cause of education, and, at one time, was one of the 
proprietors of the Doylestown Seminary. 

At Doylestown, October 23, 1893, Daniel Smith, in his ninety- 
eighth year. 

Daniel Smith was the son of Joseph Smith, the first person in 
Bucks county to burn anthracite coal for fuel, and, together with his 
brother Robert, made the first plow with an iron mould board. This 
plow, patented, 1800, led to the establishment of the industrial plant 
at Smithtown, Tinicum township, for their manufacture. The Smith 
Plow revolutionized agriculture. The patent for the Smith Plow, with 
John Adam's signature to it, hangs in the room of the Bucks County 
Historical Society. 

At Doylestown, September 3, 1901, Robert Lewis, in the eighty- 
second year of his age. Mr. Lewis was connected with old historic 
families of the county, and, for a number of years, his parents, Nathan 
and Margaret Whittier Lewis, lived in the Keith house. Upper Make- 
field township, headquarters of Washington in the Revolution, im- 
mediately prior to the battle of Trenton. 

At Doylestown, January i, 1902, Mrs. Hannah Paul Bodder, at 
the age of ninety-one years, the oldest woman in Doylestown. 

Mrs. Bodder, the only daughter of James and Susan Bryan, was 



DOYLESTOWN, OI.D AND NEW. 363 

born in Springfield township, and married Dr. Francis L. Bodder, 
who died November 20, 1846. He not only practiced medicine but 
kept a country store for many years. The author remembers their 
pleasant home, especially the beautiful flower garden that surrounded 
it. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Bodder kept the store for 
several years, when she sold out and removed to Doylestown. She 
was the mother of five children, all sons. The eldest, Lycurgus S. , 
was elected County Treasurer, 1863, serving one term. Mrs. Bodder 
was a sister of the late General John S. Bryan, for several years one 
of the Associate Judges of the county. 

Among the oldest men living in Doylestown, at this writing, is 
Jeremiah Gunagan, born in Philadelphia, November 20, 1820. He 
first came here in 1838, but, after staying a short time, went away; 
then returned again March i, 1842. since which time our borough 
has been his residence. 

At Doylestown, September 18, 1837, Isaac Lacey, a soldier of 
the Revolution, at the age of ninety-seven. 

At Doylestown, May 14, 1842, Phebe Dunlap, widow of Andrew 
Dunlap, in her eighty-first year. 

At Lambertville, N. J., August 26, 1827, Rev. James M. Laugh- 
lin, of Doylestown and pastor of New Britian Baptist Church, aged 
about sixty years. 

At Doylestown, June 26, 1836, Sarah Newton, relict of Jonas 
Newton, who had a son a missionary in Northern India. 

In the hospital on Staten Island, October 7, 1830, John God- 
shalk, seaman, formerly of Doylestown, aged twenty-three years. 

At Philadelphia, January 8, 1831, Lauretta Kohl, daughter of 
Jacob Kohl, of Doylestown, aged eighteen years, one month and 
twelve days. 

Oliver P. Hines, son of John Hines, was born on Pine Run, just 
beyond the borough limits, on March 26, 18 12. When quite a lad, 
he rode post for General Wm. T. Rogers, then proprietor and editor 
of the Doylestown Democrat. He traversed the county on horse 
back, carrying his bible which he studied in route, for which he was 
much commended by his Sunday school. At the proper age, young 
Hines was appremiced to William Cox, of Doylestown, to learn the 
carpenter trade, fitting himself for a future business life. When out 
of his time, he went west, settling at Columbus, Ohio, in 1834. He 
followed his trade, as a carpenter and builder, until he had a start in 



364 DOYl.ESTOWN, OLD AND NKW. 

the world when he engaged in other business, gradually branching 
out, finally becoming a banker and amassing a handsome fortune. 
Mr. Hines married Mary Thomas, February 7, 1837, and died at 
Columbus, April 24, 1889, in his seventy-eighth year universally la- 
mented. He made occasional visits to the land of his birth and kept 
in touch with relatives here. Oliver P. Hines was the uncle of our 
townsman, Charles C. Cox, and first cousin to the late Dr. A. J. 
Hines. We hope his example may prove a lesson to other Doyles- 
tovvn boys, who are born without the traditional silver spoon in their 
mouth. 






ioiile^toitin, ^ID auD Hem. 

XXXV. 
Farewell to the Nineteenth Century. 

As we approach the end of the nineteenth century, there is evidence 
of our business Hfe reaching out on new Hnes, and other occupations 
taken up, that will yield profitable employment to those first in the 
field. This was the case in the world of finance, and there was a call 
for additional " money changers" with the increase of business. As 
our readers will call to mind, our first banking institution was estab- 
lished, 1 832-' 33, and prospered from the beginning. It had the field 
to itself for a quarter of a century, when the need of an additional 
bank being felt, one was opened. Following this, was an interval of 
twenty-nine years, before Doylestown felt the want of another financial 
institution and there was an immediate response, this time on a new 
line. The necessity of a trust company, being realized, one was estab- 
lished, its doors opened, and prosperity waited on it. This was the 
first of its kind in the county. The success, of the Bucks County 
Trust Company, doubtless opened the eyes of others, who had spare 
capital to invest, but, whether this was the case or not, the Doyles- 
town Trust Company was established in 1896. 

In the fall and winter of 1895-6, several gentleman discussed 
the propriety of organizing a second Trust Company when they met 
socially. By the opening of spring, the matter had received such 
favorable consideration they resolved to emphasize it by calling an in- 
formal meeting. This was held in the old Harvey house, west side 
of north Main street corner of Court, about the first of March, at 
which a conclusion was reached in favor of taking action and a name 

365 



366 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

agreed upon. The next meeting, by the stockholders, was in the 
room of the Doylestown Library, Lenape building, on Saturday 
March 28, Dr. William H. Kirk being called to the chair and Henry 
O. Harris appointed secretary. Before adjourning by-laws were 
adopted and some other necessary preliminary work done. At a 
subsequent meeting of the stockholders the following board of direct- 
ors was elected; Arthur Chapman, John Hart, C. H. Magill, Harry J. 
Shoemaker, Edwin R. Jones, Harrj'^ Wilkinson, Mahlon K. Dungan, 
Henry S. Beidler, William Stuckert, Samuel Z. Freed and Henry O. 
Harris. The directors held their first meeting the same day in the 
library room, and elected the following ofificers: President, John Hart; 
Vice-president, Arthur Chapman; Henry O. Harris, Secretary and 
Trust Ofificer; and John Yardley, Treasurer. 

At a meeting of the directors, April 8, the Act of Assembly 
passed May 9, i88g, with its supplements, applying to such corpora- 
tions, was adopted; the Charter was issued by the Secretary of tlie 
Commonwealth, March 24, 1896, and the first Tuesday of each month 
agreed upon for stated meetings. The old building of the Doyles- 
town National Bank was purchased, in the fall of 1897, the company, 
previous to that time, transacting its business in the old Hart banking 
building where it opened in 1896, and removed to the new quarters 
in the course of a few weeks. 

In May, 1895, an additional local society was organized which 
seemed to be called for by the condition of things. This is known as 
the "Village Improvement Association," spoken of as the "V. I. A," 
and was put on foot by the ladies with the intent of improving the 
good looks of the County's Capital. They began their work by 
declaring war against throwing waste paper in the streets or on the 
pavements. Their next move was to purcliase a street sprinkler to 
lay the dust, and is much in evidence from May to September, with 
beneficial results when it don't rain. The clues are fifty cents a year, 
families enjoying the benefits of the sprinkler being taxed seventy-tive 
cents a month for the season. There is a visable improvement in the 
appearance and condition of the streets. The water is given by the 
Borough Council. The society was organized with thirty-seven mem- 
bers and the following ofificers: Mrs. Isabella Watson, president; Miss 
Ella D. Smith, secretary; and Mrs. Henry O. Harris, treasurer. The 
present ofificers, 1902, are Miss Mary L. DuBois, president; Mrs. Irvin 
M. James, secretary; and Miss Miriam Watson, treasurer, with a 
membership of fifty-four. The society has its quarters in the brick 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 367 

dwelling of Mrs. N. C. James, on north Main street, where the mem- 
bers transact their business and meet socially. During the subsequent 
winter, the "V. I. A.'s" grafted a new feature on their curriculum, by 
giving it a literary turn, a paper being read before it on the "Uses of 
Local History." The room was filled with an audience of fifty at- 
tentive listeners. 

At this period there were indications of an improved style of 
buildings for business purposes. We have already noticed the Sheetz 
and Hellyer mercantile houses and now call attention to the handsome 
block erected by John Hart, on the west side of north Main street 
between the Fountain House and Court street. In the meantime Mr. 
Hart had purchased the Harvey property, and began his improv- 
ments on the south end. Pulling down the old frame drug store 
wherein Dr. Harvey dispensed remedies for half a century, he built 
on its site, in 1896, a three-story building 28x64 feet, of red brick 
with Indiana lime stone trimmings. The first floor is occupied by a 
modern drug store, with every appliance the business requires, lighted 
by a large bulk window of plate glass set in copper frames; the second 
and third stories are divided into offices, and the building throughout, 
lighted by electricity and heated by steam. In 1900, Mr. Hart com- 
pleted his improvements of the Harvey property, by the erection of 
a larger three-story building of the same material and a corresponding 
style of architecture, but more elaborate in finish, and mainly fitted 
up for offices. The two buildings make the handsomest block in the 
county, and we do not believe it is excelled in the state, in a town of 
the size. 

One of the most interesting events witnessed at Doylestown, took 
place in the Court House, October 21, 1899. This was the presenta- 
tion to Bucks County, by the Hon. John Wanamaker, of an historic 
painting, entided the " Rescue of the Colors," of the 104th Pennsyl- 
vania regiment, at the Batde of Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. The can- 
vas, eleven by eight feet depicts the scene when the combatants on both 
sides are reaching out for the flags, the men of the regiment coming 
of? victorous. The painting, consigned to the custody of the Bucks 
County Historical Society, hangs in the Arbitration room, in the 
Court House, but will be transferred to the new historical building 
when the Society moves into it. 

The citizens of Doylestown made the occasion a public affair, and 
the following committees were appointed to conduct it: 

Invitation: Fred Constantine, Charles C. Cox, George W. Mcln- 



368 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

tosh. Winfield Donaldson, John G. Randall, John O. James, T. O. 
Atkinson; 

Reception: Dr. Frank Swartzlander, Hon. Harman Yerkes, Gen- 
eral W. W. H. Davis, H. B. Eastburn, Esq., Alfred Paschall, Henry 
Lear, Esq., Hon. Robert M. Yardley: 

Finance: George P. Brock, John Yardley, George Watson. C. 
Howard Magill, Patrick B. Trainor, Richard W. Livezey, Charles D. 
Bigley, Capt. Moses K. Ader, Fred A. Clayton, William C. Ryan, 
Esq. , James Barrett. 

Music: George P. Brock and S. A. Selser. 

Court House: Charles A. Cuffel, Willis Wall, Harry Cadwallader, 
John Bigell, Adam PVankenfield, Henry S. Murfit. Esq., Philip 
Kellar, E. F. Taylor, Isaiah Sellers, J. Harrison Wilson, H. C. 
Mcintosh, Charles A. Vandegrift. 

Hanging Picture: Dr. Frank Swartzlander, General Davis, E. A. 
Trego. 

Luncheon: H. S. Murfit, Esq., Phillip Keller, E. F. Taylor, J. 
Harrison Wilson, Charles A. Vandegrift. 

The following is a copy of the printed programme, as it was 
carried out: 

At the Court House, Doylestown, 
On Saturday, October 21, iSgg. 
Upon the Presentation of Trego's Military Picture, Depicting an Event in 
the Mistory of the 104th Pennsylvania Regiment at the Battle of Fair Oaks. 
' ' The Rescue of the Colors. ' ' 

To Rucks County. Whence the Regiment Went Forth to The War for the 
Union, in 1861. 



Music Ciermania Band of Quakertown 

Ope.nixg Rk.mauks Dr. Joseph Thomas of Quakertown 

Invocation ... Rev. Jacob l^eilville D. D. of Germautown 

Music B.iiid 

The Story OK The Rescue OF THE Colors General Davis 

Music ... Band 

Presentation ok the Picture, "Rescue ok the Colors," to Bucks 
County, in the Custody ok the Bucks County Historical Society 

Hon. John Wanamaker 

.Music Band 

Response to Presentation Hon. Harman Verkes 

Benediction Rev. N. C. Fetter 

Music Band 

The exercises began with the arrival of Honorable John Wana- 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 369 

maker, the invited guests and surviving members of the 104th, who 
were met at the station by a procession, composed of the Germania 
Band, Company G, 6th Regt. , N. G. of Pa. , Bodine Post, G. A. R. 
and Reception Committee and were escorted to the 104th Monument. 
In the procession was Sergt. W. Purcell, of White Haven, wearing the 
medal Congress presented him for saving the colors from the enemy. 

The court room, where the formal presentation of the picture 
took place, was crowded beyond the doors when the band opened 
the exercises by playing "The Flag is Still There." It was 2 o'clock 
when Hon. Robert M. Yardley, of Doylestown, step[)ed in front 
of the picture which was veiled with an American flag, and introduced 
Dr. Joseph Thomas, of Quakertown, the presiding officer, in a few 
complimentary words. Dr. Thomas spoke briefly,' in calling the 
house to order, and the exercises were proceeded with according 
to the programme. After General Davis had told "The Story of the 
Rescue," Mr. Wanamaker presented the painting, prefacing it with 
an eloquent address, in which he paid the regiment, as well as the 
county, a high compliment, saying, in conclusion: 

"The bed rock of American thought is the distinct idea that the 
loyalty of its citizens is not set upon some men holding power to rule 
it, but it is imbedded upon a flag, that represents the law and constitu- 
tion, guaranteeing equal rights to all men. 

Kindle newer love for the flag. You are part of an association 
mighty in its achievements, not to be forgotten long after the last of 
its members have gone to honorable graves. If we are true to our- 
selves; if we are true to the teaching of the principles of the govern- 
ment; if we honestly administer the ofifices, and give obedience to law, 
the future of this country is safe. 

" Let us cultivate a stronger love for the flag, and. by example 
and precept, teach the children never to pass it without saluting it, so 
that, in course of time, it may become the common custom of all people 
of America." 

The Hon. Harman Yerkes was now presented by the chairman, 
who accepted the picture, on behalf of the people of Bucks county, in 
befitting terms, and returned their thanks to the generous donor. 
There were several telling passages in Judge Yerkes' address, the key 
note being a quotation from Milton, that 

" Peace hath her victories 
No less renewed than war." 

Sergeant Pursell was next called for by the chairman, but was so 



370 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

overcome by the ovation that awaited him, he could only say in re- 
sponse, " I only did my duty." This brought down the house. The 
artist, William T. Trego, was presented to the audience, which 
heartily applauded. 

Other addresses were made, by Hon. Irving P. Wanger, Repre- 
sentative of the district in Congress, and General B. F. Fisher, of 
Philadelphia. When the chairman called upon General Davis to 
tell the story of the " Rescue of the Colors," Miss Susie Swartzlander, 
the young daughter of Dr. Frank Swartzlander, pulled the cord; and, 
as the flag, veiling the picture, fell exposing the scene so realistically 
portrayed by the artist's brush, there was a general exclamation of de- 
light, and applause from the large audience. The exercises were con- 
cluded with a benediction by the Rev. N. C. Fetter, followed by the 
band playing several fine pieces. The audience viewed the beautiful 
painting with great pleasure. The occasion will never be forgotten 
by those present at the presentation of the picture. 

On the evening of October 23, 1899 a meeting was held in the 
ofifice of H. J. Shoemaker, for the purpose of organizing a new indus- 
try at Doylestown, a worsted mill, at which the following persons 
were present: R. M. Yardley, H. L. Scheetz, A. L. Martin, S. G. 
Price, Crossley Holmes, H. J. Shoemaker, S. A. Hellyer, David 
Davies, H. W. Kelley, H. S. Beidler, J. F. Long, Harry Fluck, 
William Aveyard, M. K. Dungan, Joseph Wilson and John Yardley. 
R. M. Yardley was chosen chairman, and John Yardley, secretary. 
Among other business, transacted at the preliminary meeting was the 
following: 

On motion the meeting resolved to procure a charter, that the 
name of the corporation shall be the "Doylestown Worsted Com- 
pany," with a board of eleven directors, viz; Messrs. R. M. Yardley, 
Shoemaker, Fluck, Hellyer, Wilson, Dungan, Price, Scheetz, Ave- 
yard, Holmes and Beidler who were elected for the first year; Messrs. 
Dungan, Shoemaker, and Long were appointed a committee to pro- 
cure a charter, and the treasurer was authorized to collect ten per 
cent, of the stock subscribed, on November i, 1899. The meeting 
now adjourned. 

Immediately the meeting of stockholders adjourned, the directors 
of the company met at the same place and organized by the election 
of Robert M. Yardley, president; Henry S. Beidler, treasurer; and 
John Yardley, secretary. On motion, committees were appointed to 
purchase real estate and erect buildings, draw the necessary papers 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 371 

and draft by-laws. The company purchased the necessary looms and 
other machinery in England, Mr. Holmes, being sent there for that 
purpose. The charter was duly granted and put on record, and by- 
laws adopted. The boilers were purchased in Boston and the manu- 
factory was in running order by the spring of 1900. Down to the 
present time the venture has not been a success. 

The most impressive memorial services, witnessed in Doylestown, 
were in honor of the late President McKinley, who fell by the hand of 
an assassin. They were held in the court room, Thursday afternoon, 
September 19, 1901, in the presence of a thousand persons, from the 
borough and vicinity. The room was draped with emblems of mourn- 
ing, a likeness of the dead President, on an easel framed in crepe and 
the national colors, and a chorus of fifty singers, accompanied by a 
violin; and a quartette of horns, occupied seats near the left entrance to 
the rotunda. The exercises were opened by Hugh B. Eastburn, Esq., 
chairman of the committee, in some brief remarks recalling the sad 
event that had called them together. He was followed by addresses 
from Judge Harman Yerkes, who spoke, particularly, of the lesson to 
be drawn from the sad and tragic taking of! of the President, Henry 
Lear, Esq., who referred to him as a public man, whose acts of a 
busy and distinguished career had crowded one another, and whose 
death had been equall)^ great with his life, and closed by the Hon. 
Robert M.Yardley, who was in Congress with Mr. McKinley, and spoke 
of him as a man, statesman and citizen. At intervals, between these 
addresses, the chorus sang, "Nearer my God To Thee," "Lead 
Kindly Light" and "Rock of Ages," with organ accompaniment. 
There was a complete cessation of business from two to five o'clock, 
and the Court House bell was tolled for three hours. Many private 
houses, places of business and public buildings bore emblems of 
mourning for the country's dead President. 

Before taking leave of our patient readers, who have followed us 
through the decades of a hundred and fifty years, we will step across 
the line into the twentieth century, glance a moment at the Doyles- 
town of to-day and compare the new with the old. 

In 1750, what is now the seat of Justice of Bucks county, was 
but a cross roads, two highways connecting the Delaware with the 
Schuylkill. The hamlet gathered here consisted, at most, of half a 
dozen families living in log houses, with a blacksmith shop, a tavern 
and a pioneer store. By the end of the century, the population had 
grown to about one hundred and twenty-five with a corresponding in- 



372 DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 

crease in the number of neighboring settlers. In order, therefore, to 
make an intelligent comparison of then with now, we ask the reader 
to turn back to Chapter five, entitled "Historic Walk" taken soon 
after the nineteenth century came in. He will notice a remarkable 
change, and, at first, can hardly realize that it is real. 

Doylestown is no longer a "pent up Utica," but a suburban bor- 
ough and county seat of 3,500 inhabitants, with all the appliances of 
modern civilization. The streets are lined with comfortable dwellings, 
many of them handsome, built of bricks or stone, and a few of wood; 
with paved sidewalks, lighted with gas and electricity, and, in the 
residential sections, the front yards aie smiling with flowers, and every 
dwelling is supplied with an abundance of pure spring water. The 
public buildings, court house, jail, high school. National bank and 
churches are the equal of any county capital in the state; the stores, 
and other places of business, are stocked with goods that bring 
buyers from neighboring communities; our public inns would not dis- 
credit a more pretentious borough, and the Hart block, where mem- 
bers of the bar "most do congregate," is an honor to the county 
seat. 

The use of steam gives Doylestown easy and rapid transit to all 
points outside of the county, while electricity is rapidly doing the 
same within, and, in the near future, all points of importance will be 
brought in close touch with the county capital. As our borough 
enters the first decade of the twentieth century, a trolley system that 
will centre at Doylestown, occupies more and more attention. The 
future possibilities of extending and improving the means of local 
travel, at small expense and with safety and despatch, are very flatter- 
ing. When the trunk line trolley to Easton shall have been com- 
pleted, it will invite the building of latteral lines to it from the Dela- 
ware on the one side and the North Penn railroad on the other, that 
will send a current of travel down our peninsula to the confluence of 
the Delaware and Schuylkill. In time, Hglit freiglit will follow, for 
that privilege is sure to come to the trollc}' and will revolutionize 
minor traffic and travel. 

What this may do for Do}'lestown, both in the way of increase 
in travel and volume of business, no one can calculate at this early 
day. At the end of the twentieth century, we have the right to pre- 
dict, and do predict, that the population of this borough, at least, will 
reach 10,000, which would be a smaller percentage of increase than 
that from the eighteenth to the nineteenth century. The last century 



DOYLESTOWN, OLD AND NEW. 373 

came in with a population of 125, and went out with 3,500, and this 
prospective growth of the county seat is not in the least over drawn. 
There are several things that point in this direction. 

The location of Doylestown is an ideal site for a county borough 
and cannot be excelled, if equaled. The spot, the Court House stands 
upon, lacks only a few feet of being six hundred above tide water at 
Philadelphia. The country around it is picturesque, rich, populous 
and healthy, and, from the steeple of the Court House, the view is 
charming, equaling anything Midland England presents. Such, in a 
few words, is our summing up of the present and prospective Doyles- 
town, whose modest history we have attempted to portray. As we 
take leave of the volume, and turn it over to the reader and historian 
of the future, we congratulate ourselves on the conclusion of our 
labor. " We have nothing to say in its praise or condemnation, leav- 
ing that to the reader." 



INDKX. 



Armstrong's Corner, 5, 6. 

Army, British, 12. 

Army, Continental, 13, 37. 

Alms House, 22, 23. 

Academy, The Union, 19, 35. 43, 49, 
50. First Trustees, 240. Teachers 
in, 242. Last Trustees, 24S-9. 

Avenue, Oakland, 240. 

Alley, Printers', 50. 

Andrews, Rev. Silas M., 53, 93, 241, 

245- 
Advocate, Public, 67. 
Aaron, Rev. .Samuel, 75, Si, 241, 251. 
Alley, Garden, 83. 
Andalusia, 88. 

Anderson, John H., loi, 167, 299. 
Allentown, 115. 
Applebach, Paul H., 8, 153. 
Association, Legal, 153. Original 

Members of 153. 
Amusement, The Earliest, 158. 
Artilleri.sts, Dillei, 159. 
Assension, Balloon, 159, 2S0. 
Ashton, Robert, 177. 
Adams, Peter, 187. 
Avenues, Opened Maple and Linden, 

194; Shewell and Harvey, 200. 
Andress, Lazarus C, 225. 
Anglemeyer, Wm. H., 225. 
Art in Doylestown, 254-5. 
Association, Doylestown Musical, 260, 

Concerts, 261. 
Association, Amateur Band, 263. 
Artillerist, Independent, 275. 
Archambault, Joseph, 27/. 
Atler, Captain B. PVank, 2S2. 
Association, Building and Loan, 324. 
Atkinson, T. O. & Co., 325, 326. 
Adams, John Quincy, 357. 
Association, Village Improvement, 366 



B 

Biglan, James, 5. 
Beal, Joseph, 8. 
Business life. Early, 15. 
Building lots, 21. 
Bachelor. Dr. William, 23. 
Britain. New, 33. 
Buckingham, t,:^, 58. 
Benner, Isaac, 33. 
Brock, Stephen, t,t„ 135, 136. 
Brock, George P., 35, 43, 368. 
Building, Lenape, 37, 
Bryan, Gen. John S., 38, 64, 281. 
Beans, Joshua, 39, 49. 
Brower, Davis E., 46, 113. 
Bible Society, Bucks Co., 54. 
Belville, Rev. Robert B., 55 
Beatty, Robert, 55. 
Brown, John S., 60. 
Brown, Thomas, 61. 
Buder, Judge William, 61. 
Bryan, William, 64, 
Buchanan, President, 65, 68. 
Bryan, C. N., 67. 
Beans, J. Mathias, 69. 
Book Printing, 69, 70. 
Buckman, The Misses, 8r. 
Bar, Philadelphia, 84. 
Bank Organized, Doylestown, 96. 
Byrnes, Cashier Daniel, 97, Direct- 
ors, 97, New building erected, 97. 
Bankers, J. Hart & Co., 98. 
Beneficial Society, Doylestown, 98-9 
Blitz, Signor, 99. 
Bennett, James Gorden, 104. 
Bethlehem, 115. 
Brunner, John, 115. 
Building, Lenape. 115, 129. 
Buck, -Samuel E., 132. 
Beek, William, 137. 
Bridges, Samuel A., 149. 
Bench, The, and the Bar, 143-4. 



INDEX. 



Biddle, Nicholas, 152. 

Beidler, Henry S., 370. 

Binney, Horace, 152. 

Bar, The headquarters of the, 153, 159. 

Brovver. N. P., 162. 

Brock, John J., 165. 

Burrows, Joseph. 167. 

Brock, Jonathan, 169. 

Buckman, Lewis, 172. 

Barclay, Mr., 180. 

Bakers, Doylestown, 183. 

Burrows, John Vickers, 186. 

Bookbinderies in Doylestown, 187. 

Bon, Joe, 192. 

Brunn, Thomas, 196. 

Beans, Colonel William, 196. 

Berkemeyer, Rev. F., 206. 

Bartholomew, Wayne, 21 r. 

Bazelys, The, 220-1. 

Brown, William R., 220. 

Beal, Eleazer, 225. 

Brunner, Jr., Thomas, 225. 

Berkelback, William, 225. 

Barndt, John, 225. 

Belville, Rev. Jacob, 227. 

Battery, Durell's, 227. 

Buck, William J., 242. 

Building, Public School, 249-50. 

Byrnes, Jacob, 250. 

Brass Band, 'I'he DuBois, 259. 

Band, Cornet, 260. 

Baumann, D., 265. 

Black, Second Lieut. William, 281-2. 

Blackshaw, Randall, 305. 

Buckman, Monroe, 306. 

Buck, Jr., Nicholas, 306. 

Borland, Jane, 307. 

Brock Family, The, 3 15- 16- 17. 

Buck, Jerome, 321. 

Beatty, Dr. Reading, 323. 

Beatty, Rev. Charles, 323. 

Building Period, 326. 

Bucks County Historical Society, 337- 

8-9. 
Bailey, John S., 337. 
Bodder. Mrs. Hannah Paul, 362. 
Band, Germania, 369. 



Crawford, Isabella, r, 2, 7. 

Civilization, First step in, 2. 

Court House, 2, 83. 

County Seat, 24. 

Courts, The, 29. 

Chapman, Abraham, 31, 35, 75, 97. 

Cudjo, 36. 

Chase, The Fox, 37. 

Cornell, Nathan, 38, 189. 

Carver, Elias, 39. 

Cameron, Mifflin and, 39. 



Cholera, Asiatic, 45, 46. 

Congregation, Deep Run, 50. 

Club, Union Debating, 55, 63. 

Correspondent, Penn.sylvania, 57, 58. 

Company, Intelligencer, 62. 

Chapman, Henry, 113, 148, 155, 358. 

Cameron, Simon, 63, 226. 

Centreville, 65. 

County, Chester, 66. 

Courier, Jack.son, 67-8. 

Correspondent, The, 67. 

Cricket, The, 69. 

Cid Hamet Benengeli, 72. 

Canal, Deleware, 77. 

Chronicle, Philadelphia, 77. 

Cox, William, 82. 

Carr, William, 84, loi, 285, 361. 

Chapman, Dr. William, 62, 88. 

Chapman, Lucretia, 89. 

Churches, Methodist, 92-3-4. 

Conference, Philadelphia, 93. 

Cookman, Rev. Alfred, 94. 

Company, The Union Horse, 95. 

Company, Doylestown Insurance, 96, 
100, loi; Directors of, loi. 

Celebration, Democratic, 106; toasts 
drunk, 107. 

Cemetery, Hope, 113. 

Coachee, Doylestown, 115, 116. 

Company, John Moore &, 116. 

Clark, "Benny," 118. 

Celebration, Harvest Home, 157. 

Club, The Doylestown, 157. 

Celebration, Fourth of July, 159. 

Committees, Picnic, Names of, 162. 

Clubs, The T. O. S., 165; Social Doz- 
en, 165; The Acorn, 165. 

Clemens, John, 169. 

Cleveland, President, 181. 

Cornell, E. Mitchell, 187. 

Cox, Asher, 192. 

Coheen, Wm., 192. 

Carl & Worstall, 193. 

Coryell, Lewis S., 198, 356. 

Churches, A group of, 201-8. 

Church, Baptist, built, 209; Names of 
Pastors; membership; do. cost of. 

Church, Colored Baptist, Pastors, So- 
cities, 210. 

Cooley, Rev. E. F., 324. 

Croasdale, Samuel, 225. 

Coar, P'rancis L., 225. 

Carver, James M., 225. 

Closson, J. Wilson, 225. 

Curtin, Governor, 227. 

Croasdale, Colonel Samuel C, 236. 

Cadvvallader, General George B., 236. 

Cartee, Dr. C. Soule, 244. 

Church, Salem Reformed, 246. 
Chapman, The Misses, 257. 



INDEX. 



Concerts, Open Air, 263. 
Choral, The Doylestown, 266. 
Clench, Colonel, 273. 
Cavalry, Union Troop of, 276. 
Colfax, Schuyler, 288. 
Cuffel, Lieut. Charles A., 293. 
Childs, J. M., 302. 
Chapman family. The, 310. 
Chapman, Judge Henry, 310. 
College Log, 323. 
Church, Presbyterian, 326-8. 
Carver, Mahlon, 337. 
Celebration, Bi-Centennial, 341-3. 
Convention, Harrisburg, 357. 
Clay, Henry, Death of, 359. 
Cox, Charles C, 359, 364, 367. 
Century, Farewell to the Nineteenth, 

365- 
Century, The middle of the, 211. 
Colors, Rescue of the, 367. 
CufTel, Charles A., 368. 

D 

Doylestown, i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 14, 
24, 33, 39, 43, 79, 82; Population of, 
33> 39> 65, in the past 85; Incorpo- 
rated, loi; Contiguous land owners, 
102; Officers elected, 102; First 
Council meeting, 103; A Summer 
Resort 104; What the Newspapers 
say of it, 105; Literary and Scholas- 
tic status, 106; Magnetic telegraph 
instrument at, 107-8; First Telephone 
at, 108; Public Cemetery laid out 
and incorporated, British troops 
pass through, 273; Fourth of July at, 
276; Volunteer Companies in, 282. 

Doylestown, Centennial of, 234-35. 

Doyles, The, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10. 

Delaware, The Fork of. 9. 

DuBois, Rev. Uriah, 19, 36, 49, 51, 52, 
240, 273. 

Dallas, Alexander J., 32. 

Dunlap, IMoses, 33. 

Dublin, 36. 

Democrat, Doylestown, 38, 60, 63, 64, 
78. 

Dick, John L , 42, 52, 133. 

Davis, General John, 42, 52, iii, 281. 

Dyerstown, 61. 

Darlington, Henry T., 61, 324. 

Darlington, Dr. William, 61. 

Deffebach, Lewis, 63. 

Democrat, Bucks County, 63. 

Democrat, The, 65, 66, 68, 85. 

Davis, W. W. H., 65, 66, 70, 225, 337. 

Daubert, Adam, 66, 67. 

Dimm, J. C, 66. 

Democrat, Independent, 67. 

Donat, Ryner T., 68. 



Davis, Captain, 69. 

Doylestown, Origin of, 72. 

DuBois, C. E., tor, 153, 156, 197, 358. 

Dwelling, DuBois, 84. 

Dwelhng, Hall, 84. 

DuBois, John L., 84. 

Dallas, George M., 113. 

Doane, Joel, 115. 

Doylestown, Landlord of, 142. 

Doylestown, Population of, 218-19. 

Doylestown, Social life of, 155, 156; 
Streets of, 194; An ideal site, 372, 
373; Present appearance, 373; Fu- 
ture possibilities of, 372. 

Dozen, The social, 156. 

DuBois, Samuel F., 159, 257, 267, 268. 

DuBois, Henry L., i63. 

Dennison, Andrew, 173. 

Derrickson, Joseph, 177. 

Donaldson, Andrew, 201. 

Dana, Rev. George, 209. 

Dress Ball, Military and Citizens, 222. 

Darling, Edward S., 225, 

Dyer, Cephas VV., 225. 

Davis, Colonel, 226. 

DuBois, Robert P., 241. 

Donaldson, George E., 259. 

Davis, Captain John, 276. 

Druggists, The, 299. 

Dick, Isabella, 306. 

Dick, John L., 306. 

DuBois, LTriah, 309. 

Dickie, 337. 

Decade, Bi-centennial, 337. 

Deaths, Several, 363. 

Davis, General, 369. 

K 

Erb, Lawrence, 17, 114. 

Evans, Septimus, 35. 

Erwin, Miss, 43. 

Edwards, William, 46. 

Ellmaker, Colonel Peter, 63. 

E.xpress, Bucks County, 66, 74. 

Express and Reform, 66. 

Examiner, Political, 67. 

Emporeum, Trenton, 68. 

Esposy, Mina, Don Lino Amilio, 88. 

Ely, Hugh B., loi. 

Eastburn, Hugh B., 113, 266, 371. 

Easton, 115, 116. 

Eastburn, Charles, 150. 

Eisenhart, William T., 180, 302. 

Enochs, Alexander, 186-7. 

Evans, Dr., 193. 

England, Shipment to, 193. 

Exposition, Wm. Beek's, 214. 

Emory, George W., 225. 

Everheart, George A., 225. 



INDEX. 



Enders, Andrew, 225. 
Engineers, U. S. Vol., 2S2. 
Ely, Lieut John, 2S2. 
Eagles, Golden, 293. 



Ferry, Coryell's, 13, 21. 

Freemen, Elizabeth, 5. 

Flacks, The, 5, 129. 

Fells, The, 15, 17. 

Furnace, The Durham, 9. 

Forge, Valley, 12. 

Farm House, Kirkbride, 13. 

Family, Riale, 4. 

Fox, Judge John, 32, 36, 89, 90, 151, 

196, 273, 312, ,357. 
Fell, Joseph, 40. 
Ferguson, Dr., 46. 
Freedom, .Star of, 59. 
Fretz, .Samuel, 60. 
Foulke, Rowan, 62. 
Fretz, Edwin, 66, 225. 
Farmer, Bucks County, 68. 
Farm, The Underhill, 80. 
Freed, Mr., 81. 
Frankenfield, VVilliaui, 93. 
Forney, Colonel John VV., 99, 160. 
Fell, J. Gillingham, 103. 
Frazer, Colonel Reah, 106. 
Fox, Edward J., 113, 257. 
Feuerbend, John, 115. 
Fenton, Ephraim, 116. 
Field, William, 116-17-18. 
Fox Chase, The, 129, 130, 131. 
Fountain House changes hands, 130 i. 
Fretz, Joseph H., 131. 
Farmer, Bucks County, 133. 
Fisher' B. F., 149, 170. 
Fox, Gilbert R., 149. 
Fencibles, Union, 158. 
Fever, Lecture, 160. 
Fuzzlegudgeon, Mrs., 163. 
Fell, Joseph, 177. 
Fretz, Philip, 197. 
Folly, Brown's, 220. 
Frankinfield, Chris K., 225. 
Frank infield, Lawrence, 225. 
Frankinfield, Charles, 225. 
Fries, Jacob, 225. 
Follis, William, 223. 
Fussman, Samuel E., 225. 
Firman, David, 225. 
Flags presented, 227 
Fisher, General B. F., 236. 
Family, A musical, 264. 
Ferguson, Frank, 288. 
Ferguson, Dr. C. B., 298. 
Freman, A. M., 301. 
Fox family. The, 311-12. 
Firman, Samuel A., 325. 



Fires and Fire Department, 348-53. 
Frazier, Leah, 357. 
Fritzinger, John, 360. 
Fordhook JFarm, 360. 
Fetter, Rev. N. C, 368, 370. 
Fries, Aaron, 322. 
Flagstaff, 333-34- 

G 

Gazette, Farmer's Weekly, 19, 57. 

Geil, Abraham, t,t,. 

Grim, Webster, 35. 

Green Tree, The, 35, 39. 

Gilkyson, James, 36. 

Gazette, Hunterdon C, 61. 

Gazette, Santa Fe, 65. 

Godshalk, Samuel, 68. 

Guards, Doylestown, 69, 112, 264. 

Gazette, The Court, 69. 

Gleaner, Tlie, 69. 

Gilbert, Benjamin, 70. 

Grove, Willow, 73, 77, 116. 

Groff, Dr. James, 84. 

Goell, Ali'red, 107. 

Gilkyson, B. F., 143. 

Gilkinson, James, 153. 

Grays, The Doylestown, 158, 279, 280. 

Grove, Harvey's, 162. 

Greir, Joseph J., 171. 

Gregg, Barzilla J., 17S. 

Gregg, Mrs., 178. 

Garron, Abraham, 188. 

Ginsley, Samuel F. , 188. 

Gaucher, The brothers, 192. 

Goheen, J. Warner, 193. 

dries. Rev. William R., 202. 

George, Rev. Father, 203. 

Geil, William Edgar, 209. 

Greeley, Horace, 214. 

Green, William Augustus, 225. 

Garron, Samuel N., 225. 

Gensel, Ira F., 225. 

Glase, Jacob W., 225, 

Garner, George W., 225. 

Grof?, Rev. J. R., 266. 

Godfrey, William B., 266. 

Gaucher, Thomas VV., 289. 

Gunagan, Jeremiah, 363. 

G. A. R., Bodine Post, 369. 

Hope, New, 5. 

Heckman, Samuel, 5, 64. 

House, The Fountain, 5. 117, 129. 

House, The Mansion, 37, 39, 131. 

Hall, Painswick, 4, 305. 

Hough, Dr., 6. 

Hough, Daniel, 5, 11. 

Harvey, Enoch, 5, 14, 74, 83, 129, 300. 

Hilltown, 3. 



INDEX 



Harrisburg, 33. 

Hotel, Cold Spring, 14, 41. 

House, Titus, Chapman, Lyman, 35. 

Homestead, DuBois, 36. 

Hall, Isaac, 37, 151; Charles, 37. 

Hall, Samuel, 93, 151. 

Hart, Wm. Watts, 42, 43, 273. 

Hart, Mrs. Ann, 43, 44. 

Hendrie, Dr., 46. 

Holidays, National, 46-7. 

Hyde, Charles, 52. 

Hough, Rev. Silas, 55. 

Hart, John, 55. 

Henry, Hugh M., 60. 

House, White, 65. 

Herald, Bucks County, 68. 

Harton, John, 68. 

Harton, Frank, 68. 

Heart, John S., 69. 

Hatboro, 77. 

Harvey, Charles, 83. 

Hand, Rev. James, 93-4. 

House, Citizens, Temperance, 100. 

Hotel, Rotterdam, 116. 

Harris, John, 129. 

Harris, Hannah, 130. 

Heist, Allen H., 137. 

House, Citizens, 139-40. 

Hart, George, 145, 225. 

Hough, Joseph, 148; Death of, 149. 

Hall, Goden, 179. 

Harl, James, 180. 

Huntsman, George A., 180. 

Hay, Gilbert, 181. 

Hulshizer, Daniel, 181, 259. 

Hulshizer, W. Sharp, 182. 

Hellyer, Harold A., 189. 

Hayes, Thomas, 90. 

Hubbard, Samuel, 190. 

Heston, Edward, 191. 

Hibbs, Aden G., 192. 

Hanover, New, 107. 

Hatboro, 193. 

Hart, Samuel, 197. 

Hopkins, Rev. George P., 201. 

Huffnagle, Charles, 214. 

Hill, Jacob, 221. 

Hubbard, Nathaniel, 225. 

Hendrie, James D., 225. 

Hinkle, Philip, 225. 

Hargrave, Henry, 225. 

Heany, Henry W., 225. 

Hart, Jr., Samuel, 225. 

Hoffman, Charles W., 225. 

Hogeland, John S., 225. 

Haney, William P., 225. 

Hough, John S., 225. 

Hofford, Eli, 225. 

Hart, Thomas, 225. 

Harvey, Joseph H., 225. 



Harvey, Second Lieut. George T., 225. 

Hargrave, John (Drummer) 225. 

Hughes, Thomas, 245. 

Hail, Beneficial, 256. 

Hicks, Thomas, 270. 

Humphrey, Col. Thomas, 274. 

Hair, Capt. Jo.seph, 275. 

Hendrie, Dr. William S., 289, 298, 314. 

Harvey, Theodore P., 292. 

Hines, Dr. Andrew J., 299. 

Harvey, Dr. George T., 300. 

Hart, Dr. Joseph, 302. 

Historic Families, 304. 

Hough, Hannah, 306. 

Hough, Richard, 306. 

House, The Thomas Stevens, 307. 

Harveys, The, 308. 

Halls, The, 309. 

Hall, Samuel, 309. 

Hutton, Addison, 126. 

History, Odds and Ends of, 354. 

Hines, Oliver P., 363. 

Hines, I3r. A. J., 364. 

Haven, White, 369. 



Indians, Oneida and Tuscarora, 13. 
Irwin, The Rev. Nathaniel, 25, 58. 
Ingham, Samuel D., 36, 55, 159, 273. 
Intelligencer, Bucks Co., 60, 65, 66, 

68, 78, 81, 82, 89. 164. 
Institute, Doylestown Scientific and 

Literary, 108. 
Improvement, Spirit of, 113. 
Inn, Court, 116, 136. 
Improvement Co., Doylestown, 129. 
Industries, Our, 173. 

J 

James, John D., 33, 151. 

Joe, Cudjo and, 36. 

Jones, Eliza, 43, 45. 

James, Mrs. N. C, 38, 58. 

July 4th, The Celebration of, 47, 74-5. 

Jackson, Elisha B., 60. 

Journal, Newtown, 65. 

Justice, Joseph, 68. 

Jail, Mina escapes from, 87. 

James, Colonel Isaiah, 106, 257. 

Jackson, Andrew, Death of, 107, 157. 

James, Dr. O. P., 113, 285, 299. 

Jenkintown, 115, 116. 

James, John O., 168. 

James, N. C, 177. 259. 

jenks, Michael, E., 225. 

Jordan, William H., 225. 

James, A. H., 257. 

Jackson, Camp, 281. 

Jameses, The, 307. 



INDEX. 



Jail, Building of new, 344-46. 
July, The Fourth of, 356. 
Jackson, Peter, 360. 

K 

Kirkbride, Joseph, 3, 4, 5, 40, 304. 
Kirkbride, David, 2t, 34. 
Kennedy, Thomas G.. t,^- 
Kolbe, Frank, 35. 
Kuhn, Mrs., 37. 
Kiple. Jacob, 41. 
Kramer, Samuel R., 59. , 

Kelly, James, 60, loi, 197. ^*" 
Keesey, William, 68. 
Kuster, Julius, 69, 225, 291. 
Kachline, Samuel, 75. 
Kendall, Andrew, 108. 
Kelly, William D., 113. 
Keys, Cross, 115, 141. 
Krause, Judge, 153. 
Keichline, The, 184-5. 
Kachline, William, 225. 
Kulp, Moses O., 225. 
Kephart, Theophilus, 225. 
Kibby, Edgar, 225. 
Krauthamel, Emanuel, 225. 
Kachline, Thomas, 259. 
Kensette, 270. 
Keuler, Ida M., 294. 
Kirkbride, Mahlon, 305. 
Kimmer, Mary, 305. 
Kane, James, 211. 
Kuhn, Sarah M., 241. 



Line, Montgomery County, 2. 

Langhorne, Jeremiah, 3, 8, 40, 304. 

Langhorne, Thomas, 3, 304. 

Lacey, Gen. John, 12. 

Lyman, John, 35, 259. 

Lewis, Thomas, 18. 

Lane, The Academy, 21, 49. 

Lurzelere. Rev. Jacob, 55. 

Long, William, 55. 

Large, William, 60. 

Lukens, Hiram, 62, 285. 

Loeb, iMoritz, 67. 

Luz, Adam D., 68. 

Longstreth, Daniel, 76. 

Lloyd, John, 81. 

Lear, George, 83, 145, 289. 

Lore, Rev. I'Jallas I)., 94. 

Long, Mahlon, 97. 

Lodge, Masonic, 100. 

Lewis, "Joe", 120. 

Letter Bo.x, The First, 121. 

Lawells, The, 129. 

Lawyers, Group of, 149 50. 

Long, S. Ferdinand, 153. 



Lee, Capt. Robert M., 158. 
Life, Merchantile, 166. 
Lane, Oyster Shell, 181. 
Larzere, Harvey, 182. 
Luckenback, George, 285. 
Lunn, O. P., 189-90. 
Lee, Norris, 191. 
Lane, Dutch, 194. 
Lane, Academy, 194. 
Larue, Andrew, 195. 
Lancaster, John, 197. 
Lynch, Franklin Pierce, 209. 
Light, Artificial, 211; Gas, 212; Elec- 
tricity, do.; Company formed, do. 
Laughlin, John McDonald, 213, 225. 
Lieper, Col. George G., 214. 
Lawsons, The, 220. 
Lewis, John H., 225. 
Lacey, Camp, 227. 
Libraries, 2523. 
Lang, Lewis, 270. 
Lashley, Lambert, 277. 
Lafayette, Reception of, 277-8. 
Livezey, Henry D., 289. 
Lodge, St. Tammany, 290. 
Liberty, Daughters of, 293. 
Life, Our Medical, 296. 
Lloyd, Henry C, 301. 
Lloyd, E. Morris, 301. 
Lear Family, The, 315. 
Larue & Co., A. J., 325. 
Lenape building, Erection of, 28, 30, 

337- 
Lyman, Richard M., 337. 
Lewis, Robert, 362. 
Lear, Henry, 371. 

]VI 

Mansion, The Ross, 2, 39, 40, 41. 
Maxim, A Roman, 2. 
Meadow, Round, 2. 
Magills, The, i, 7, 131, 195. 
Meredith, James, 4. 
Meeting House, Buckingham, 7. 
Miner, Asher, 19, 38, 58, 59, 70. 
Mann, John, t,t,. 
Morris, Jr., lienjamin, 33, 102. 
Morris, Enos, 43, 301. 
Morris, Mathias, 35, 273. 
Mcintosh, Jonathan, 37. 
Murfit, Henry T., 36. 
Magill, William, 37, 40, 97, 195. 
Meredith, Dr. Hugh, 38, 40, 76, 81, 129. 
Meredith, Dr. Charles, 38, 42, 296. 
McCoy, Dr. Gilbert R., 38, 298. 
Murry, George, 39, 106. 
Mcl3owell, E. T., 39, loi. 
Miles, Mrs. .Sarah, 43, 45. 
Montanye, Rev. Thomas B., 42, 55, 
273- 



INDEX. 



MacReynold, Nelson, 46. 

Moore, Rev. W. Hayes, 54. 

Mathias, Rev. Joseph, 55. 

Moore, Samuel, 55. 

Morris, Enos, 55. 

Morris, Edmund, 59. 

Messenger, Bucks County, 63. 

Mifflin, Benjamin, 63. 

Mendenhall, Dr. John D., 66. 

Morvvitz, Dr., 67. 

Mirror, Bucks County, 66. 

Morgenstern, Der, 67, 68. 

Mills, Franklin .S., 67, 68. 

Matthews, Rachel C, 68. 

McGinty, Bernard, 69. 

Morris, Howard, 69. 

Mercury, Charleston, 69. 

Marple, Mr., 73. 

Magill, Captain, 75, 156. 

Moore, John, 75. 

Mauch Chunk, 77. 

Mountain, .Schooley's, 77. 

Magill, Charles H., 84, 103, 163, 291. 

Miciiener, George H., 84. 

Matthews, Dr. Charles H., 84, 88, loi, 
196' 197. 207, 281, 292, 306, 357. 

Murder Trial, Mina Chapman, 88. 

Mina, The trial of; found guilty; ex- 
ecution; military display, 89, 90, 91, 
278. 
Meeting, Friends, 92. 
Marrin, Oscar, 94. 
McDowell, Rev. W. M., 95. 
McCalla, 115. 
Michener, Jonathan, 116. 
Monroe, 116. 
Maddock, Randall, 122-3. 
Mail Matter, Quantity of, 126. 
Marple, David D., 130. 
Mann, C. H., 130, 131, igi, 201. 
McLaughlan, Daniel, 130. 
Monroe, 116. 
Maddock, Randall, 122-3. 
Mail matter, Quantity of, 126. 
Marple, David D., 130. 
Mann, C. H., 130, 31, 191, 201. 
McDowell, E. T.,145; poetry of, 145; 

death of, 147; marriage of, 147-8. 
Masons, Benevolent Lodge of, 156. 
Menagerie, The first, 157. 
Matthews, Capt. C. H., 158. 
McMichael, IMorton, 160. 
Mo.st, Thomas B., 175. 
Musgrave, William, 175. 
McHenry, William, 176. 
Miller, Anthony, 177. 
Medary, Isaac B., 179. 
Medary & Heath, 179. 
.McManus, Timothy, 180. 
Michener, Nathan,' 180. 



Moyer, John, 181. 

Mellick & Hulshizer, 181. 

Maxwell, William, 196. 

McCarty, Isaac C, 196. 

Markley, LeviK., 225. 

Morley, Frederick, 225. 

McCoy, John H., 225. 

McDowell, William H., 225. 

McCarty, William, 225. 

Magill, Eugene, 225. 

Marple, W. Warren, 225. 

Mills, Edward S., 225. 

Mangel, Abraham, 225. 

McGreggors, 240. 

Murray, George, 243, 250. 

Music and painting, 254. 

Morris, Mrs., 258. ' 

Musical Association, Bucks County, 
262; Concert of, 262-3. 

Msennerchor, Doylestown, and organi- 
zers, 265. 
Music and art, 267-9. 
Mann, James S., 277. 
McReynoIds, Lieut. Abel, 282. 
Masonic lodges; the Benovelent, No. 
188, page 284; the Doylestown, No. 
245, pages 285-6. 
Mcintosh, George, 257. 
Mercur, James W., 258. 
Michener, John G., 289. 
McHenry, Charles, 301. 
Mechanics, United American, 292. 
Mater, Dr. W. F. DeLa, 301. 
Meredith, James, 305-6. 
Meredith, William M., 305. 
Meredith, Thomas, 305-6. 
Meredith, Dr. Hugh, 306, 354. 
McFarland, Mary," 207. 
Mann, John, 207. 
Mcintosh, The, brothers, 309. 
Morris, Mathias, 312-13. 
Mann, C. H., and family, 317-318. 
Moore, Dr. Samuel, 322. 
Mercer, Henry C, 337. 
McDowell, George, 337. 
Myers, Abraham, 356. 
Murfit, H. S., 368. 
McKinley, 371. 



N 

Neshaminy, The, i. 
New Britain, 3, 4, 63. 
Nicholaus, John, 17, 114. 
Nightingale, Rev. Samuel, 36, 20S. 
Nicholaus, Frederick, 41. 
Newtown, 43. 
Newspapers, Pioneer, 57. 
Naiman, 67. 
Norristown, 68. 



INDEX. 



Natural Sciences, Academy of, 75. 

Northrop, Georj!;e, 113. 

Nicholaus, Samuel, 115. 

Nugent, Washington G., 225. 

New Court House, Erection of, 321-33. 

o 

Oedipus, II. 

Olive Branch, 67. 

Orphans' Court, Clerk of, 83-4. 

Opp, Sergeant Peter, 112. 

Ottsville, 116. 

Opp, X'alentine, 133-4. 

Officials, Court, 152. 

Our Industries, More of, 84. 

Orem, James Reed, 225. 

Officers, P'ield, 227. 

Orchestra, Brock's, Original members 

of, 261. 
Otter, Thomas P., 269, 337. 
Opp, Peter, 275. 
Odd Fellows, 286-7-8-9. 
Offices, Real estate and conveyancing, 

324- 

F» 
Park, Graeme, 2. 
Penn, William, 3, 305. 
Park, Langhorne, i. 
Pine Run, Valley of, i. 
Pennsbury, 3. 

Period, Revolutionary, 12, 13. 
Peninsula, Delaware-Schuylkill, 12. 
Post Routes Opened, 21. 
Pike, Zebulon, 24. 

Pugh, John, 38, 43, 55, III, 273, 321. 
Paxson, Samuel Johnson, 38, 64, 76, 

188, 259. 
Place, Monument, 40. 
Philadelphia, 43, S3, 115. 
Patterson, Robert, 50. 
Prestjyterian, Scotch Irish, 50. 
Patton, Rev. William A., 54. 
Purdy, William, 55, 152. 
Polts, Rev. M., 56. 
Patriot, Bucks County, 60. 
Paxson, Judge Edward M., 61, 65, 152. 
Prizer, Enos, 61. 
Paschall, Alfred, 61, 29, 337. 
Paschall, S. Edward, 6x. 
Powell, William H., 64. 
Paxson, Tiiomas, 64, 152. 
Publishing Company, Doylestown, 66. 
Price, Charles, 66. 
Purdy, Joseph M. 325. 
Policy, Kansas-Nebraska, 68. 
Period, A Prosperous, 96. 
Patterson, Samuel A. D., 99. 
Pugh, John B., 113, 158, 322. 
Peters, Jacob, 115. 
Post Office, The First, 121. 



Postmasters, Names of, 121-4. 

Purdy, Thomas, 139. 

Performance, Equestrian, 157. 

Picnics, The Era of, 160, 257. 

Partridge, Captain Alden, 159, 281. 

Picnic, 161. 

Purdy, John F., 178. 

Pollock, James, opens streets and sells 

lots, 200. 
Period, Civil War, 116. 
Pierce, A. Jackson, 225. 
Patterson, Joseph, 241. 
Pawling, George H., 277. 
Parades, Military, 281. 
Pettitt, D. John, 300. 
Parsons, Dr., 301. 
Pennsbury, 305. 
Patterson, Sheridan T., 306. 
Patterson, Dr. Robert, 322. 
Pump, The town, 354-5. 
Pettitt, Dr. John B., 359. 
Pursell, Sergeant VV., 369. 
Pughs, The, 321. 
Population, Increase of, 373. 

Q 

Quakertown, 67. 
Quick, Philip, 93. 
Queen, Indian, 41, 116, 134. 
Quinn, Emmit, 145. 
Quartette, Doylestown, 258. 

R 

Riale, John, 4. 

Riale, Richard, 5. 

Road, Ijyer's Mill, 2. 

Road, Easton, 2, 17, 195. 

Road, Durham, 3. 

Ross, Thomas, 67, 68, 81, 84, 89, 90, 

154, 311- 
Run, Deep, 9. 
Ralston, Isaac, 19, 57. 
Riale, Joshua, 33. 
Russell, Elijah, 14. 
Ross, John, 41. 
Rhoads, Dr. John S., 42, 302. 
Rily, Captain John, 55. 158. 
Rogers, William T., 59, 64, 81, 15S. 
Record. Village, 61. 
Ross, Henry P., 68, 149. 
Ross, George, 149. 
Railroad, North Penn, 195. 
Republican, Daily, 69. 
Reaper, The, 69. 
Rhett, Colonel, 69. 
Rich, Dr. James S., 74, 156, 297, 307. 
Robbarth, Captain John, 76. 
Roberts, Stokes L., 85, 113, 318. 
Rains, Rev. Mr., 93. 
Reeside, James, 115. 



INDEX. 



Railroad, Belvidere Delaware, 115. 

Route, RIaii, 124, 126. 

Rodman, Gilbert. 156. 

Retreat, China, 159. 

Rotzel, Shade &. 171. 

Rogers, John P., 178, 314. 

Rayton, Burgoyne, 181. 

Ruos, Henry D., 182. 

Rich, Lester, 185, 197. 

Rogers, William T., 196, 215, 323. 

Roads, State, New Hope, Port De- 
posit, Easton, Willow Grove, 197. 

Railroad, North Penn opened, 198. 

Ross, Mrs. Thomas, 201. 

Railroad, North Penn, 212-13-15. 

Rogers, Edward L., 162, 225. 

Rogers, James M., 225. 

Rush, Lawrence, 225. 

Regiment, The 104th, 227; Leaves 
camp, 228; Welcomed home, 229; 
Monument erected and dedicated, 
233; General Emory, 235. 

Robinson, John, 241. 

Rol)erts, Mrs. S. L., 257. 

Rowbotham, Prof., 259. 

Rangers, Bucks County, Roll of, 274. 

Rich, Lieut. Anthony, 275. 

Robart, Captain John, 276-7. 

Reeder, Captain A. H., 277-8. 

Rifles, Naglee, 281. 

Republic, Grand Army of, 294. 

Road, Almshouse, 306, 

Riale Family, 308. 

Ross Family, The, 310, 311. 

Rogers Family, The, 313. 

Regiment, Reunion of 104th, 40, 41, 

339- 
RiHe Rangers. Magill, 336, 
Ross, Mrs., 358. 

Street, North Main, i; Broad and 
Main, 35; South Main, 38-9; Main, 
83, 194-5; East i^Liin, 194; Front, 
195; York, 195; Court, 194-5; State, 
195; Arabella and Louisa, 195. 

Shewell, Walter, 4. 

Shewell, Nathaniel, 16, 40, 55, S3. 

Swanwick, Richard, 5. 

Stewart, Barton, 16. 

Story, Thomas, 33. 

Smith, Timothy, t,;^, 74. 

Smith, Samuel A., 170, 319. 

Smith, Amanda and character of, 319. 
y Shaws, The, 202. 

Society, Bucks County Historical, 13. 

Ship, The, 37, 129. 
. Shaw, Josiah Y., 38, 74, loi, 103, 150. 

Stewart, Thomas J., 39. 

Snyder, Governor, 43. 



Stewart, Mrs. Thomas, 49. 
Smith, E., 55. 
Swarthmore, 61. 
Siegfried, Simeon, 63. 
Snyder, Manassah H., 64, 66, 67. 
Shaw, Francis B., 67, 74, 80, 275, 299, 
Sellers, Franklin P., 67, 68. 
Seymour, William P., 67, 259. 
Spy, The, 68. 

Standard, Democratic, 68-9. 
Swartzlander, Dr. Frank, 82, 344, 370. 
Shewell, Thomas, 83-4. 
Street, Shewell, 85. 
Sellers, Franklin P., 87. 
Sands, Henry P., 93. 
Society organized. Beneficial, 96. 
Shearer, Conrad, 102 191,. 
Sickel, Horatio, 106. 
/Shaw, James L., 107, 321. 
Selser, Silas A., 108, 368. 
Stage, The first, 114. 
Stewart, Charles, 115, 129, 130. 
Shoma, Samuel and John, 115. 
Ship, Mathew Hare's, 115. 
Stages, Local Lines of, 116-17-18, 80. 
Stage, High Grass Line, 118. 
Swanwick, Richard, 129. 
Stewarts, The, 129, 308. 

Spring, The Clear, 133. 

Strawn, Joseph, 136-7. 

Smyser, Judge, 153. 

Scott, Henry, W., 154. 

Springs, Yellow, 162. 

Society, Bob Narrative, 163. 

Smith & Kirk, 178. 

Smith, Jervis S., 178. 

Smith, Timothy, 17S. 

Swartzlander, Nliss Susie, 370. 

Smith, Timothy, 178. 

Seitzinger, John, 180. 

Shearers, The, 191. 

Spoke aud Wlieel Company, Worstall 
& Carl, 192. 
.Shavv, Harvey, 196. 

Shaw, Josiah Y., 197. 

Streets, The last group of, 200. 

Sheip, Rev. Levi C, 206, 246. 

Simpson, John, 211. 

Stavely, William R., 225. 

Service, Henry S., 225. 

.Sxmderland, George, W., 225. 

Shearer, William A., 225. 

Swartzlander, Jacob, First Lieut., 225. 

Shearer, William K., fifer, 225. 

Societies, Agricultural, 237. 

Spellier, Louis H., 238. 

Schools, Our, 240, 250. 

Smith, Eleazar, 241. 

Seminary, Doylestown Female, 243, 
247-48. 



INDEX. 



Seminary, Ingham Female, 245. 

Seminary, Linden, 246. 

Society Orphean, 257. 

Siegler, Dr. Charles, 265. 

Schooner, William, 265. 

Smith, Summers A., 269. 

Sizer, Major Asa B., 273, 

Smith, Brigade Inspector Samuel A., 

275- 
Smith, Trumpeter John, 277. 
Sons of Veterans, 282-3. 
Societies, Beneficial, 284. 
Societies, German Aid, 290-1. 
Swartzlander, Dr. Frank, 298, 368. 
Sotcher, John, 305. 
Shewell, Walter, 305. 
Sallows, Mary, 305. 
Shewell, Betsy, 305. 
Snodgrass, Benjamin, 307. 
Stewart, Robert, 307. 
Snodgrass, James, 307. 
Shaw, Lieut. Thompson D., 321, 353. 
Society, Doylestown, and its leaders, 

335-6. 
Smith, Josiah B., 337. 
State Charity, Board of, 346. 
Shunk, Francis T., 358. 



Township, Warwick, i, 3; Solebury, 
36; Southampton, 43; Plumstead, 
60; Buckingham, 64; Doylestown, 

83. 
Traders, Free Society of, 3. 
Tavern, The Ship, 16, 139, 355. 
Tavern, Doyle's, 194. 
Titus, Zerick, 21, 35. 
Tavern, Charles Stewart's, 17. 
Thomas, Jacob, 17. 
Taylor, Caleb N., 29, 159. 
Trust Company, Doylestown, 37, 60, 

US- 
Taverns, The Three. 37. 

Tree, The Green, 35, 41, 139. 

"Town, Doyl," 50, 51. 

Taylor, Bayard, 61. 

Thomas, Arthur K., 62. 

Turnpike, New Hope, 65. 

Times, London, 65. 

Temperance, The cause of, 85-6; M. 
S. Snyder conmients on, 85-6; Or- 
ganization of, 87; Sons of, 87. 

Thumb, Tom, 99. 

Tavern, William Field's, loi. 

Tavern, Craig's, 114. 

Tavern, Kohl's, 116. 

Tavern, John Dungan's, 116. 

Tavern, Green Tree, 117; Citizen's 
House, 119; Fields, 196. 

Timothy, Mount, 160. 



Thornton, Rutledge, 168. 

Thompson, William, 169. 

Twining, Henry M., 171. 

Tilton, Daniel, 185. 

Thompson, Hugh, 189. 

Troxel, Jacob, 189. 

Tetlow, Rev. John, 189. 

Turnpike Company, Doylestown and 
Willow Grove; Doylestown and 
Buckingham, 196. 

Tavern, Thatcher's, 196; Charles Mor- 
ris, 197. 

Turnpike, Doylestown, Plumstead- 
ville, Dublin, Centreville, New 
Hope, Newtown, 197. 

Tavern, Henry Schools, 197. 

Trolley roads: Willow Grove to Doy- 
lestown, 198; Newtown to Doyles- 
town, and Doylestown to Easton, 
199. 

Taylor, Henry J. C, 201. 

Tasker, Morris &, 211. 

Townsend, Stephen, 225. 

Tomlinson, Enos, P., 225. 

Tomlinson, Thomas F., 225. 

Trego, Thomas W., 238, 361. 

Taylor, Franklin, 242. 

Teachers' Institute, 260. 

Titus, John, 321. 

Thomas, Rev. William B., 321. 

Thompson, Lewis B., 126. 

Taylor, H. J. C, Real Estate of, 226. 

Trust Company, Bucks County, 346 7, 
365-6. 

Tavern, The Doyle, 355. 

Town clock, 358. 

Thomas, Dr. Joseph, 369. 

Trego, William T., 370. 

Trolleys, The, 372-3. 

V 

Valley, Castle, 4, 197. 

Village well equipped, 20. 

Volunteers, Turn out of, 91. 

Vanluvanee, Benjamin, 174. 

Vaughan, Rev. Alexander, 204. 

Valette, Major, 273. 

Volunteers, Companies of, visiting 

among us, 278-9. 
Vandegritt, Captain Charles A., 295. 
Vandegrift, Charles A., 368. 

w 

White, Rachel, 5. 
Wirts, Jr., Christian, 15. 
Wynkoop, Helina, 16. 
Wilson, judge Bird, 32. 
Werner, Ernest, 34, 291. 
Watts, William, 36, 39, 41, 43, 55, 82, 
T35, 151, 273. 357, 363. 



INDEX. 



Wigton, lames, 39. 

Wilkesbarre, 58, 59. 

War, Civil, 65, 66. 

Watchtower, The, 67. 

Whig, Bucks County, 68. 

Wilkinson, Colonel, 77. 

Watts, Arthur, 82. 

Wright, C. E., 83, 149. 

Winslow, Thomas, 92. 

War, The Mexican, 108; Sword pre- 
sentation, 109, no; Contribution for 
soldiers' families, in; Martial poe- 
try, III, 112. 

Willow Grove, 116. 

Wierman, Daniel, 130. 

Wyker, George H., 137. 

Webster, Daniel, 145. 

Wilson, Judge, 151. 

Watson, Judge Richard, 149, 2S9. 

Wilkinson, John, 150. 

Wise, Professor, 159. 

Weikel & Booz. 161. 

Wall, Willis, 368. 

Wanger, Irving P., 370. 

Wigtons, The, 177. 

Wigton, Charles J., 177. 

Worman, John, 179. 

Walton, Mrs. Thomas, iSo. 

Welherill & Martin, 1S3. 

White, John, 188. 

Williams, Edward, 196. 

Wood, Rev. W. S., 209. 

Wheeler, Charles, iii. 



Water, The introduction of, 2 15- 16-17- 

18. 
War, Civil, Doylestown in the, 223-24. 
Widdifield, Henry A., 225. 
Walker, William, 225. 
Williams, Miles, 225. 
Watson, Jane, 266. 
War of 1812, 272-4; Raising troops for, 

273; Patriotism aroused, 273, 274; 

Troops return home, 275. 
Worrell, General, 273. 
Wagner, Captain David D., 277. 
Weyandt, Captain Jacob, 278. 
War, Spanish-American, Doylestown 

in, 282; Home, 304. 
Welcome, The, 295. 
West, Benjamin, 305. 
Wright family. The, 317. 
Walters, Joseph B., 337. 
Wells, Richard, 361. 
Walker, John, 361. 
Worsted mill, 370. 

Y 

Yardley, Samuel, 5, 82, loi, 167. 

Yardley, Thomas, 33. 

Yerkes, Harman, 36, 43, 149, 368, 379. 

Young, Joseph, 67, 68. 

Yardley, Robert M., 82, 153, 369. 

Yerkes, Dr. A. J., 301, 302. 

Yerkes, Dr. Hutchinson P., 302. 

Yost, Dr. R., 302. 

Yardley, John, 368. 




H 71 89 



